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I 



JIISE and PROGRESS 

OF 

RELIGION in the SOUL. 
Ulurtrated in a courfe of ferious and practical Addrefife^ 

fuited to perfons of every Chara&er and Circumftance. 
WITH 

A devout Meditation or Prayer added to eachChapter . 
Bv the late~Rev. PHILIP DODDRIDGE, d7d! 



TO WHICH IS ANNEXED, 

Parlor Religion exemplified in the ,pra&ice : of Horwm*, 

his family, and Fiiends v . 
ALSO, 

A Selection of Hymns from Dr. Doddridge* 

Qua feret hie Grejjum. Fontes dablt ar'iia VflUk, 

' ■ Inque cavas Fojjas dephiet Agmen Aqua : 
lnfiaurabh Iter Vires : et Nominh Ora 

Vifurus Solyma figei in-JEdePedem. Johnft.Pfal. Ixxxiv. $,6. 
Tcft'ifying — Repentance. toiva'rdGod and faith toward xurLord J ejus Chr'iji. 
Whom tue preacbjivaming every man ^and teaching every man in ail ivifdt'mA 
that iv e may prejent every man pa-fe HI in Ghriji Jtjus. 

A&s xx. fti. Col. i. 28, 

Hade, Lord, the promife to fulni-»-Thme empire wide extend, 

And let the^nations to thy will in glad iubmiilion- bend- 

Loud hallelujahs to thy name, from fhore to ihore refound, 

While Angel-anthems catch {he theme, and fing the loft are foand ! 



BOSTON: 

PRINTED FOR JOSEPH BUM STEAD, . 
(Printer and Bookfeiler) 

Sold by him at No. 20, Union-Street— and , -by 

Bookfellers in various parts of the United States. 
l8o& 



[Carefully conetted by two (American <xtA E*g!ijb) Editions. 



W4SO0 
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LC Control Number 



tmp96 031629 



To the Rev. ISAAC WATTS, d. ». 

W JTH the moft affbatonate gratitude and refpe&I beg leave 
to prefent to vou a bock, which owes its exiftence to your 
requetf, its couroumefs to your plan, and much of its peripicuny to your 
leview, and to the ufe I made of your remarks on thacpait or it, wfticn 
your health and lei fare wcu!d permit you to examine. I adcieis it eo you, 
nit to beg your patronage to it, for of that I am already well a .lured ,; 
raid much lei's from any ambition of attempting your character, tor wii.vH, 
if I were more equal to the fubjetf, I ihould think this a very impro- 
per place : But chiefly from a fecret delight, which 1 nnd in the thought 
of being known to thofe whom this may reach, as one whom you baye 
honored, not onVy with vour fiiendfhip, but with fo much oi your ei- 
teem and approbation too',as mud fubft antially appear in your committing 
a work to me, which you had yourfelf projected as one or the mort con- 
iiderable fervices of your life. , . , 

I have long thougnt the love of popular applaufe a meanne.s, wmcrt 
a philofophy far inferior to that of our divine Mtfter might have taught 
us to conquer. But to be efle-cmed by eminently great and good men 5 to 
whom we a*e intimately known, appears to me, not only one of the moiv- 
lolid atteftationa of fome real worth, but, nest to the approbation 01 
God and our own confeiences, one of its mort valuable rewards. It 
will, I doubt nut, be found \o in that world, to which fpirits h*e yours 
arc tending, and for which through divine grace you have obtained fo un- - 
common a degree ox ri Benefit And permit me, Sir, while I write this, 
to refrefh myfelf with the hope that when that union of hearts, wnicri 
has (0 long fubfifted between us, ihall arrive to its fu»l maturiiy and en- - 
dearment there, it will bs matter of mutual delight to recollect-, that :you 
have a/figned me, and that I h-ive in fome degree executed a talk, whica 
may perhaps under the ble&ng cf God, awaken and improve religious 
fentiments in the minds ofthofewhom we leave behind -us, and of others 
who may arife after us in this vain, tranfitory, infnaring world. ; 

Such is the improvement you have made of yeur capacitiesfor fer- ■ 
vice, that I am fully perfuaded heaven has received very few, in thefe 
latter ages, who have done fo much to ferve its interefls here below 5 few, 
who have labored in this heir, of caufes with equal affiduity, and equal 
fuccefs. And therefore,! cannot but join with all who wifh well to the 
. chriftian intereitamong us, in acknowledging the goodnefs of Providence 
to you and to the church of Chrift, in prolonging a life at once fo valu- 
able and fo tender, to fuch a<n advanced period. With them, Sir, 1 rejoice 
that God hath given you to poffgfsrin io extraordinary a degree, not only 
theconfeioufnefsof intending great benefit to the world, but the fatisfac- 
tionof having effected it, and of feeing fuch an harveft already fpringing 
up, 1 hope as an earned: of a much more copious inc re ale from thence- 
With multitudes more I blefs God, that you are not, in this evening of fo 
aifheted and yet fo laborious a day, rendered- entirely incapable of ferving 
the public from the prefs, and -from the pulpit ; and that amid the pain 
which your active fpirit feele, when thefe pleafing fervices fuffer long in- 
terruptions from bodily weaknefs, it may be fo Angularly refreihed by re- 
flecting on that fphere of extentive ufefulnefs, in which by your writings 
you continually move. 

_ _ 1 congratulate you, dear Sir, that while you are in a multitude of fa- 
milies, and fchoois of the lower el a fs, cendefcending to the humble, yet im- 
portant work of forming infant-minds to the fir if. rudiments of religious 
knowledge and devout impreffions, by 5 our various Catechifros and Divine 
Songs ; you are alio daily reading lectures of Logic, and other ufeful branch- 
es of Philofophy, to itudious youth : And this, not only in privateAcade- 
mies, but in the moft public and celebrated feats of learning ; not mere- 
ly-Tn Scotland, and in our American colonies (where, from fome peculiar 
■;.■--- ^-.ancr^j it might moft naturally beexpected j) but. through the axn'fa- 



DEDICATION. 
ble candor of fome excellent men and accomplished tutors, in our Eng] » 
Univerfitks too. I congratulate you, that you are teaching, no doubt, hun- 
dred a ofMiniflers, and thousands of private Chrjftians, by your fermons, 
and other Theological writings $ fo happily calculated to diffufeth re 
their minds that fight of knowledge, and through their hearts that fervour 
*f piety, which Gddhw; been p!eafed«to enkindle in yourown. But abo^e 
ajTj 1 congratulate you. that by your facred poetry, tfpeclally by 
Pfsims, and your Hymns, you are leading the. wormip, and i truft alfo 
animating the devotion of myriads, in cur public afferriblies every fahbath, 
ami in their families or clofets every day, This, Sir, at leaft fo far as it 
relates to the fervice of the fancluar'y, is an unparalleled favour, by which 
|3od hath been pieafed to diftiriguifh. you,4 may boldly fay i t, beyond an ) cf 
hrefervants now.upon earth. Well c :med'a glorious e 

and indeed much moie than an equivalent, for all thofe views of El cle - 
fiaftical preferment, to which fuch talents, learning, virtues, and intereft 
irvght have entitled you in an tnent j and 1 doubt no';, but you 

joyfully accept it as fuch. 

Nor ;s it eafy to conceive, 'n what circuroftances vou couid, on any 
luppofition, have beeneauer and happier, h n in that pious and truly hon- 
ou cable family, in which as 1 verily beli . h to 

; oa and to it, Providence h*as been plealf ( 

in con-'i.ierabie. a c-art c" your life. It ism] it all the re- 

mainder of it may be i'erene, uffeful, and pie&fant. And as, to my certain 
Knowledge, your compoikions have been the fingular comfort of many ex- 
cellent Christians (fofne of *hem numbered among my deareft friends) on 
their dying beds; fori have heard ilansas of them repeated from the'ips 
or ''evera!, who were doub'tiefs in a few hours to begin the Song of •'.' 
and the Lamb : So I hope and truft that When God fhall call you to that 
■Salvation, for which your faith and patience ifave fo long been waiting, be 
Will fled around you the choice:!: beams of his favour, and gladden 
heart with confolations, like thofe which you have teen the happy inrhu- 
xnentof adminiftering to others.. 

In the mean time, Sir, be affared, that I am not a little animated in 
the various labors to which Prov?dence has called me, by reflecting that I 
have fuch a cotemporary, and efpeciaily fus-h a friend ; whofe fingle pre- 
fenoe would be to me as that of a Cloud of WitneiTes here below, to awa- 
ken my alacrity in the race that is fet before me,— And I am perfuade^, 
that while I fay this, ] fpeak thefentim?nts ofnaany of my brethren,even 
of various denominations : Acor.fi 'hich 1 hope willdo fomething 

towards reconciling a heait fo gem irs, to the delay of that ex- 

ceeding and eternal weight of glr-iy . w hie nearly approaching* 

Yes, my honored frh nd.you will, 1 hopt cheerful!) enaute a little longer 
continuance in life amid all its infirmities ; from ar. alTurafice that while 
God is pleaded to maintain the exercife of your reafon, it is hardly pbi'i 
tilt :.. t you mould live '.n vain, to the world, oryourfelf. Every day, and 
is brighte fmg your crown, and rendering you fiih more meet 

an inheritance amoiw the faints in light* Every word that you drop 
' from the >.ul. it,has now fujrely its peculiar weight : The eyes of many are 
vii their afcending prophet, eagerly intent that they may c«-ttch,if not hia 
mantle, at leaft fome divine fentence from his lips, which m3y long guide 
.their way, and Warm their hearts This folicitude your friends bring into 
thofe happy moments, in which they are favored with your convene in pri- 
vate : And when you are retired from them, your prayers 1 doubt not, large- 
ly contribute towards guarding your country, watering the church, and b ef- 
fing the world. Long may they continue to anlwer thefe grey tends ! And 
permit me, Sir, to conclude with expreffing my cheerful confidence, that 
fri thofe beit moments you are often particularly mindful of one, who fo 
highly efteems,fo greatly needs, and lbwaimly returns that iemembrance,as 

Reverend and dear dir, Your moll afeSictiate Brother, &e. 
Northampton, Dec, J3> i744. ** t>oDCRlDGE* 



PREFACE, 



THE feveral hints given in the dedication ,and 
the firft chapter of this treatife, which con- 
tains a particular plan ofthede% r ; render it unnecef- 
fary to introduce it with a long preface. Some fmy 
readers may perhaps remember, that fever?. 1 • rs . . 3 
I promiied this work to the public, in theprefa 
fecond edition of mySerraor.s on the power ar\d 
of Chrift, &c. My much honored friend L , 
had laid theScheme, efpecially of the ft rnaer l 
as thofe indifpontions, with which (so t t 
ble grief of the churches) God has been pleafed re 
erciiehim, had forbid his hopes cf being abk tc 
this,to his many labors of love to immortal ;. . 
pleafed -in a very affectionate and i; porfuna e 1 
to urge me to undertake it. And I Heft God witi 
whole heart, not only that he hath carried me thrpu I 
this delightful talk (f^rfueh indeed I have found it) But 
alfo that he hath fpared that worthy and amiable per- 
fon to fee it accomplished, and given him firergt ..nd 
fpirit to review fb coufiderable a part of it. Hisappr :- 
bation expreffed in ftrocger terms than mcdefty will 
permit me to repeat, encourages me to hope, that it is 
executed in fuch a manner, as may, by the divine blef- 
fmg, render it of fbme general fervice. And I the rat er 
expect it will be fo, as it now comes abroad into the 
world, not only with my own prayers, and his, but al- 
fo with thofe of many other pious friends, which I 
have been particularly-careful to engage for its fuceefs* - 
(I 2) 



vi PREFACE. 

Into whatever hands thiswork may come,Imu{lde- 
fire, that before any pafs their judgment upon it, they 
would pleafe to read it through ; that they may difcern 

the Connect ioa between one part of it and another. 
Which I the rather requeft, becaufe I have lorg cbier 
ved, that Chrifti ans of differenr parties have been ea- 
gerly laying hold on particular parts of the fyftem of 
Divine Truths,and have been con tending about them; 
as if each had been all ; or as if the reparation of the 
membersfrom each other,and from the head, were the 
Prefervaticn of the body, initead of its deltrudion. 
They have been zealous to eiboufe the defence, and 
to maintain the honour and ufefuteefs of each apart ; 
whereas their honor, as well as ufefulnefs, feems to 
me to lay much in their connection : And fufpiciccs have 
often arifen betwixt the respective defenders of each, 
which have appeared as unreafocable and abfurd, as 
if all the preparations fcr fecuring one part of a Ship in 
a Storm were to be cenibred as a contrivance to (ink 
the reft. I pray to God, to give to all his Miniiiers, 
and People, more and more of the Spirit of Wifd; m, 
and of Love, and of a found Mind ; and to remove far 
from us thofe mutual J ealoufie.s and Animofities,which 
hinder our ading with that Unanimity, which is ne- 
ceiTary in order to the fuccefsful carrying on our com- 
mon warfare againft the Enemies cfChriftianity. We 
may be fure, thefe Enemies will never fail to make 
their own advantage cf cur multiplied di virion's, and 
fevere contefts with each other : But they muft ne- 
ceffanly lole both their ground and their inmience, in 
proportion to the degree in which the energy orChrif- 
tian principles is felt, to unite and transform the heart 
ot th fe by whom they are profefTed. 

1 take this opportunity of adding, that as this trea- 
may be looked upon as the iequel of my fermone 
on \ J -,- on, though in tbmething of a different me- 
thod : a fecond edition of thofe fermons is now pub- 
ipliance with the requeft of many of my 



PREFACE. vii 

friends) in the fame form and fize w^th this book. I 
have been felicitous to make them both as cheap as 
poilible, that I may fall in with the charitable deiigns 
of thofe who may purpofe to give them away. There 
is however an edition of this treadle in Octavo, for 
iiich as rather chufe to have it in a larger character 
and fairer form, 

I have ftudied the greater! plainnefs of fpeech,that 
the loweft of my readers may, if peilible, be able to 
understand every word ; and I hope, peribns of a more 
elegant tall e and refined education will parden what 
appeared to me fo neceifary a piece of charity. Such 
a care in practical writings ieems one important in- 
itance cf that honoring ail Men, which our amiable 
and condefcending religion teacheth *as : And I have 
been particularly obliged to my worthy Patron, for 
what he hath done to {horten fome of the fentences, 
and to put my meaning into plainer and more familiar 
Words. Yet I dare fay the world will not fufpect it of 
having contracted any impropriety or inelegance of 
language, by palling through the hands of Dr. Watts. 

I muft add one remark here, which I heartily wifh 
1 had not omitted in the firft edition, viz. That though 
I do in this book confider my reader as fucceffively in 
a great variety of fuppofed circumftances, beginning 
with thofe of a thoughtlefs fianer, and leading him 
through feveralftages of conviction, terror, &c. as what 
may be previous to his fmcerely accepting the gofpel, 
and devoting himfelf to the fcrviceof God, yetlwould 
by no means^be thought to infmuate,that every one, 
who is brought to that happy refolutionj arrives at it 
through thofe particular fteps, or feels agitations of 
mind equal in degree to thofe I have defcribed. borne 
fenfe of fin, and feme ferious and humbling apprehen- 
fion of our danger and mifery in confequence ofit,mufl 
indeed be pecefTary, to difpofe us to rece ; ve the grace 
of the gofpel, and the Saviour "who is there exhibited 
to our faith, ButGcdispleafedfometimes tobeginthe 



via* PREFACE. 

work of his grace en the heart, alaiofl from the firft 
dawning of reafon, and to carry it on by fuch gentle 
and intenfible degrees.thatvery excellent perfons,who 
have made the meft eminent attainments in the divine 
life, have been unable to recount any remarkable hif* 
tory of tl eir converficn : And fo far as I can learn, 
this is mofi frequently the cafe with thofe cfthem,who 
have enjoyed the benefits of a pious education, when it 
has not been fucceeded by a vicious and licentious 
youth. God forbid therefore, that any fuch mould be 
ft infenfible of their own happinefs, as to fall into per- 
plexity with relation to their spiritual ftate for want of 
being able to trace fuch a rife of religion in their minds, 
as it was neceflary on my plan for me to defcribe and 
exemplify here.— I have fpdken my fentiments on this 
head fo fully in tne viiith" of my fermons on regenera- 
tion, that I think none who has read, and remembers 
the general contents of it, can be in danger of miftaking 
my mean log here. Bat as it is very pofTible,this book 
may fall into the hands of many who have not read 
the other, and have no opportunity of confuting it, I 
thought it proper to infert this cam ion in the preface 
to this, arid 1 am much obliged to that worthy and ex- 
cellsnt perfbn who kindly reminded me of the expe- 
diency ef doing it. 



CONTENTS. 



Chap. I. ^ : 

THE introduction to- the Work, with form general account 
of its defign. - Page 1 3 

A prayer for the fuccefs of it t in promoting the rife and pro** 
grefs of religion. - - 22 

Chap. II. 

The care'e/sfnner awakened. - 9 2£ 

The meditation of ' afnner who was once th-oughtlejs, but 

begins to be awakened* - 34 

Chap. Ill* 

27>* awakened f inner urged to immediate conf 'deration, and 
cautioned again/} delay. - - 37* 

A prayer for one who is tempted to delay applying to reli- 
gion, though under forae conviclions of its importance. 43 
Chap. IV. 
Thefnner arraigned and convicted. - - 46 

The confeffton of a flnner, convinced in general ef his 
guilt. - ^ . * » 55 

Chap. V. 
The fnner f ripped of his vain pleas. <- - 57 

The meditation of a convinced fnner, giving up his vain 
pleas before God. - 66 

Chap. VI. 

The f inner fenienced. - - 68 

The reflection ef afnner fruch with the terror of his fen- 

tence. - - - <y£ 

Chap. Yil. 

The helphfs fate of afnner under condemnation. - 77 
The lamentation of afnner in this infer able condition. 83 

Chap. VIII. 
News offal vatic n by Christ brought to the convinced and 
condemned fnner. - - - g - 

The fnner 's refieclion on this good news. - - o I 

Chap. IX. 
A more particular account cf the way by which thisfalva* 
tion is to be obtained, - - "93 



x CONTENTS. 

Thefinner deliberating on the expediency of falling in with 
this method of falvaiion. - - - loi 

Chap. X. 
The fmner ferioufly urged and intreatedio accept offalva* 
tion in this way. - - - ioq 

Thefinner yielding U ihofe intreaties, and declaring his ac- 
ceptance of falvation by Christ. - - 110 
Chap. Xr. 
Af&lemn addrefs to thofe ivhd will not be perfuaded to fall 
in with the defign of the gojpel. - - I \ t 
AcompaJ/icnate prayer in behalf of the impenite?itf inner. 1 24 

Chap. XIL 

An addrefs to afoul fo over whelmed nviih a fenfe of the 

greatnefs ofiisfns, thatit dares not apply iiflf tsCuRlST 

zu it h any hope of falvaiion, ~ - 127 

Refeclion on the encouragements he has- to do it, ending itt 

an humble and earneft application to Chri st for mercy > 

132 
Chap. XIIT. 

The doubting foul more particularly offlfled in its inquiries 
as to the fincerity of its faith and repentance. - 13^ 

The foul fubmitting to divine examination, the fincerity of 
its repentance and faith. - - 1 4 1 

; Chap. XiV. 

A more particular vUiv of the fever al branches oftheChrn- 
tain Temper, by -which the reader may be farther qfffled, 
in judging what he is, and what hejhould endeavor 
to be. ' - - - - 143 

A review of the fever al branehes of this terrper in a f crip- 
tural prayer. - - - 157 

Crap. XV. 

The reader reminded how much he needs the ajfflance of 
the Spirit of God to form him to this temper, and what 
encouragement he has to expeel it. - - 1 6 1 

An humble fupplication for the influences of divine grace, 
to form and fir engihen religion in the foul. - 166 

Chap. XVt. 

The Chriftian Convert warned of \ind animated agawjl 



CONTENTS. xl 

thofe difcouragemenis which he muji expect to meet ziilh 9 
when entering on a religious .courfe. - 168 

The foul alarmed by a fenfe of thefe difficulties, committing 
itfelf to divine protection. - - 174 

Chap. XVIL 
Tht Chriflian urged to, and affifted in, an exprefs acl of 
felf dedication to the fervice of God. - - l 7$ , 

An example of f elf-dedication, 'or a folemnform 'of renewing 
our covenant ivith God, - - - 1 79 

together with an abfivaEt of it, to be ufed with proper and 
requi/ite alterations. ~ - - l8£ 

Chap. XVIII. 
Of entering into Church communion by an attendance upon 
the Lord's Supper. = - 187 

A prayer for one who defires to attend, yet has fome remain- 
ing doubts concerning his right to thatfolemn ordinance. 1 93 
Chap. XIX. 
Same more particular directions for maintaining continual 
.communion with God, or being in his fear all the day 
longs i?i a letter to a pious friend. - 19^ 

A feri-ous view of death, proper to be taken as we lie dozvn 
on our beds. - - - 21 1 

•Chap. XX. 
A ferious perfuafive to fuck a method of f pending our 
days. - - - 212 

A prayer fuited to theflate of a foul who longs to attain 
tofuchalife. - - - 22 £ 

Chap. XXI. 
A caution againfl various temptations, by whicti the young 
convert may be drawn cfide from the courfe before re- 
commended. - - 224 

The young convert's prayer for divine protection from the 
danger of thofe fn ares. - - 233 

Chap. XXII. . 
The cafe of fpirztual decay and languor in religion. 23 £ 
A prayer for one under fpiritual decays. - 244 

Chap. XXIII. 
The fad cafe of a, rdapfe into known and deliberate fm f 



xii CONTENTS. 

The fad cafe of a relapfe into known and deliberate jfe, 
after folemn atjs of dedication to Hod, and feme progrefs 
made in religion, - - * - 247 

'A prayer for one who has fallen into grofsftn, after reli- 
gious refolution and engagements. - « 2 C c 

> Ckap. xx. v. 

The cafe oftheChriftian under the hidings of God's face. 259 

An humble f implication for one under the hidings of God's 

face. - - - 270 

Chap. XXV. 

The Chr'iftian ffuggling under great and heavy of- 
ficlions. - - - 271 

Anaddrefs toGod under the preffure of heavy affliction. 278 
Chap. XXVI. 

The Chr'iftian afjifled in examining into his growth in 
grace. - - 282 

TheChr'iftianbreathingearneJlly after growth in grace. 202 

Chap. XXVII. 

The advanced Chr'iftian reminded of the mercies of God, 

and exhorted to the exercifes of habitual love to him y and 

joy in him. - - - 293 

An example of the genuine workings of this grateful joy in 

God. - - 340 

Chap. XXym. 
The eftablifhed Chr'iftian urged to exert himfelf for pur- 

pofes of ufefulnefs. - 3. ©4 

The Chrifian breathing after more cxtenftve ufefulnefs. 3 15 

Ckap. XXIX. 
The Chriflain rejoicing in the views of death and judg~ 

ment. - - - 317 

The meditation and prayer of a Chr'iftian whofe heart is 

warmed with thefe profpecls. - - 32(5 

Chap. XXX. 
The Chr'iftian honoring God by his dying behavior* 328 
A meditation and prayer fuited to the cafe of a dying Chrif- 

tain. - - - 327 






THE 

RISE i^D PROGRESS 

•OF 

RELIGION in the SOUL, 



'C H A P. I. 



The Introduction to the Work, with fame general account of 
its Defign* 

m That true religion is very rare, appears from comparing the nature 
of it with the Jives and characters of men around asi § I. / l. The want 
of it, matter of juft lamentation. §3. To remedy this evil, is the de- 
iign of the enfumg treatife. §-4. To which therefore the author earrseft- 
Jy befpeaks the attention of the reader, as his own heart is deeply inter- 
ested in it. % 5- 6. A general plan of the work ; of which the fifteen 
£rft chapters relate chierlv to the RISE of Religion, and the remaining 
chapters to its PROGRESS. §7—22, The chapter concludes with a 
praver for the fuccefs of the work, 



§ 1. VV HEN we look round about os with 
an attentive eye, and confider the characters and pur- 
fuits of men, we pkinly4ee, that though in the ori- 
ginal confutation of their natures, they only, of all 
the creatures that dwell on the face of the earth, be 
capable of religion, yet many of them moft fhame- 
fully n-gleft it. And whatever different notions peo- 
ple may entertain of what they call religion, ail mull 
agree in owning, that it is very far from being an 
isaiverfal thing, 

(ID 



' * 4 *&p9 progrefs of Religion in the Soul 

i 2. Religion, in its more general view, is fucn'ft 
fenfe ot God on the fowl, and fuch a conviction of our 
obligations to him, and of our dependence upon him,, 
as ihall engagers to make it cur great care, to con- 
duct ourfelves in a manner, which; we have reafon to 
believe will be pieafing to him. Now when we have 
given this plain account ofjreligion, it is by no mean? 
neceffary, that we mould fearch among the lavages of 
the African or American nations, to fmd inftances of 
thofe who are ftrangers to it. When we view the con- 
. duel of. the generality of people at home, in a Chriflian 
and Preteftant nation? in a nation whole obligations to 
God have been lingular, aimoft beyond thofe of any 
other people under heaven, will any one prefume to 
fay that religion has an uiiiverfal reign among us ? Will 
. any one fuppofe that it prevails in every life? that it 
-reigns in every heart? Alas, the avowed inndelity, the 
profanation of the name and day of God, the drunk- 
ennefs, the lewdnefs, the injuftice, the falfehood, the 
pride, the prodigality, the bafe felfimnefs, and ftupid 
infenfibility of the lpirituai and .eternal interests of 
ihemfelves and others, which fo .generally appear a- 
mong us, loudly proclaim the contrary. So that one 
would imagine upon this view, that thoufands and ten 
ilioufands thought the neglefi, and even the contemptxf 
religion, were a glory;, rather than -a reproach. And 
where is the neighbourhood, where is the fociety, 
-tvhere is the happy family, (confirming of any confide- 
"Table number) in which, on a more exact examination, 
we fmd reafon to fay, " Religion fills even this little 
circle ?'*'* There is perhaps a freedom from any grofs 
and fcandalous immoralities, an external decency of 
behaviour, an attendance on the outward forms of 
•worfhip in public, and (here and there) in the family ; 
yet amid ail this, there is nothing which looks like 
the genuine actings of the fpiritual and divine life. 
Jfhere isno appearance of love to God, no reverence 



Rift, pr&grefe of Religion k the Bad, *£ 

for his prefence, no deMre of his favour as the high-^ 
efl good: There is no cordial belief ofjhe go/pel of faU 
vatioti; no eag;r fblicitude to efcape that condemnation 
which we have incurred by fin, no hearty concern to 
fecure thu eternal life, which Chriii has purchaied and 
feared for his pe ple 3 and which he freely promifes to 
all who will receive him. Alas ! whatever the love of 
a friend, or even of a parent can do ; whatever incli- 
nation there maybe, to hope all things, and to believe 
ail things the mdfi favourable ; evidence to the con- 
trary will force it ielf upon the mind, and extort the 
unwitting eonclufion ; that, whatever eiiemay be ami- 
able in Lhis d.ar men J, in that favorite child, "Re- 
st -)•,-.•„.._, ,3 j^gjir, nr »* ; n :< , { >rp „A » 

§ }■, To a heart that firmly- belie ves the gofpel, and' 
views pei fons and things in the light of eternity, this 
is one of the mcfc mournful on "derations in the 
one, all the other calam- 

: cured, and ail the other 
r , good will be extruded 
Uinue, it bringeth forth 
coaiequience of it, multi- 
tudes, who fliare the entertaiomonts of an indulgent ' 
Fravidence -with us, and are at leait allied to us by the 
bend of the fane common nature, mult in a few years ■ 
be fwept away into utter deflruction, and be plunged 
beyond redemption into everlafcing burnings. 

§ 4. I doubt not, but there are many, under 
thole various forms of religious profeilion, which have 
fo unhappily divided us in this nation, who are not 
only lamenting this in public, if their office in life calls 
them to an opportunity of doing it ; bus; are likewife 

(a) Rom. vii J, - 



wrriea And maeed to Iu< 


.a a 


ities ana evils ci h 




compared with this ; toe 


abi 


that contrariety to it, w 


ich 


fa ads of mankind. Let ih 


is be 


evils will be eafily borne 


, na] 


out of them. But if {hi 




fruit unto death ;{ a ) and 


in c 



1 6 Rife, progrefs of Kefigim in ihe SruL 

mourning before Gcd in fecret, under a feufe of this 
fad irate of things ; and who can appeal to him that 
fearches all hearts., as to the fmcerity of their deiires 
to revive the languifhmg cauie of viral Chrifrianity 
and fiibftantial piety. And, amo^g the reft, the au- 
thor of this (reatife may with confidence fay, it is this 
which animates him to the prefent attempt, in the 
midfb of fo many other cares and labor?. For this 
he is willing to lay afide many cf thcie curious amufe- 
ments in icience which might fuit Irs own private 
tafte, and perhaps open a way to feme reputation in 
the learned world. For this he is willing to wave the 
labored ornaments cf fpeech, that he may if poiiible, 
defcend to the capacity of the loweif. part of mankind. 
For this, he would endeavor to convince the judg- 
ment, and to reach the heart of every reader : And, 
in a word, for this, without any dread cf the name of 
an euthnikfu whoever may at random throw it out 
up.cn the occaiicn, he would as it were, enter with 
you into your clof.-t, from dry to cay : and, with all 
plaicmfs and freedom, as well as fericuLcie, wculd 
chTcourfe to you cf the great things which he has 
karat from the chriitian r velatibn, and on which he 
afluredly knows ycur evei biting happinefs to depend : 
That if you hitherto have lived without religion, you 
may now be awakened to thi conilderaticn of it, and 
may be mfirucfed in its nature and importance ; or 
that, if you are already, through divine grace, expe- 
rimentally acquainted with it, you may be aflifbd to 
make a farther progrefs. 

5 5. But he earnefily intreats this favor of you, 
that, as it is plainly a lericus bufmefs we are entering 
upon, you would be pleafed to give him a fericus and 
an attentive hearing. He intreats, that thefe addref- 
fes, and thefe meditations, may be perufed at bifirre, 
and be thought over in retirement, and that you would 
do hira and ycurfelf the juiiice, to believe the repre- 



iu£, pragYefs 'of 'Religion in the Soul 27- 

fentaticns which are here made, and the warnings^ 
which are here given, to proceed from irp'cerity and 
love; from an heart which would net designedly give 
one moment's mmecefTIry pain to the meanefi crea- 
ture on the face of the earth, and much lefs to any 
human mind. If he be importunate, it is, becaufe he 
at leaf^ imagines, that there is jud reafon for it ; and ' 
fears, left amid the multitudes, who are undone by 
the utter neghft of religion , and among thole who are 
greatly damaged for want of a more reiciute and con- 
Want attendance to. it, this' may be the cafe of fome : 
into whofe hands this treadle may fail: 

§ 6. He is a barbarian, and deferyes not to be 
called a man, who can look; on the forrows of his 
fellow creatures without drawing out his foul unto 
them, and wifh'ng, at kart, that it were in the power 
of his hand to help them. Surely earth would be an 
heaven to that man, who could go about- from place ; 
to place, fcatterrrg happineis waerefoever he came? 
though it were only the body that he were capable of ' 
relieving, and though he could impart nothing better ' 
than the happinefs of a mortal life. But the happi- • 
Eels rifes, ia proportion to the_ nature and degree of 
good which he imparts, . Happy, are we read/ 
to fay, were- thofe honored' ferv ants of Chriffc, - 
who, in the early days of his church, were the bene- 
volent and fympatkizing mftrumentsof conveying mi~ 
raculous healing to thofe whole cafes feemed defpe~ 
rate; who poured in up cm the blind and the deaf the 
pleafures of light and iound, and called up the dead 
to the powers of action and irjeyment. But this 
is an honor and happinefs, which it is not tit for God 
commonly to bellow on mortal men. Yet there have 
been in every age, (and bleiTed be his. name^, . 
there flill are) thofe, whom he has cendefcended to 
make his inftruments in conveying nobler and more 
lafting bleffings than thefe to their fellow creatures* . 
(II 2) , 






iS - Rife, fro 

Death teth bag fmce veiled the e^, an . in 3 

ears of thofe:, who were the iubjeoh rt miraculous 
healing, and recovered its empire ever thofe v 
once recalled from the grave, But J he fouls who are 
prevailed upon to receive the g'ipel, live for ever. . 
God has owned the Labors of his iahnml niinrftefs i.i ' 
every age, to produce thefe Meiled effects ; and fi me 
of them being dead yet fpeak( b ) with power and fuc- 
:eis in this important caufe. Wonder not then, ifiiv- 
mg and dying, I be ambitious of tms honor; &i 
my mouth be freely opened, vvhere I can £r 
my heart is enlarged. (°) 

§ 7. In forming my general pten I have ] ~een f> 
licitcus that this little treat ife might if priiihle, be: 
ufeful to all i f s readers, and contain fomething fuita- 
ble to each. I will therefore take the man and the 
Chrifiian^ in a great variety of circumstances. I will, 
iirft iupp:fe myfelf sddrefurg one of the vail number 
of thoughtlefs creature?, who have hitherto been ut- 
terly unconcerned about religion; and will try what- 
can be done, by all pkinneis and earneftnefs of 
dref?, to awaken him from this fatal lethargy, to a 
cure, {Chap. 3.) 1 will labor to fix a deep and awful 
convicti n of guilt upon h's conference, (Chap. 4.) and- 
iirip him of his vain excufes and h ; s flattering hopes, 
(Chap. 5.) i will read to him, O ! that I cculd fix on 
his heart, that fentence, that dreadful fentence, which 
a righteous and an Almighty God hath denounced a- 
gainft him. as a firmer; (Chap. 6.) and endeavcr to 
ihew him /in how helplefs a feate he lies under this 
condemnation, as to any capacity he has of delivering 
himfelf, {Chap. 7.) But 1 do not mean to leave any in 
fo terrible a fi: nation : I will joyfully proclaim the 
glad tidings of pardon and falvation by Chrift Jefus 
our Lord, which is all the fupport and confidence of 
S|y own foul: {Chap. 8.) And then. I will give fome 

(b) Heb, xi. 4. (-) z Cor. vli, U. 



Rife^ progrcfs of -Religion in the ScuL :.v 

general view cf the way by which this falvation is to 
be obtained ; (Chap, 9,) urging the ihi er to accept or- 
it, as affe&ionatejy as I can ; [Chap, 10,) though no- 
thing can he lafHciently pathetics where, as in this mat- 
ter, the life of an- immortal -Ibnl is in qutfMon. ■* 

§. 8. Too probable it is, that ibrne will, after ail 
this, remain infenibie ; and therefore, that their fad 
cafe may not incumber the following articles, I (hall; 
here take a iblemn leave -of- them : .{Chap. 1 1.) And 
then fhall turn and "addrefs myfelf, as compaiTionately ■ 
as I can, to a molt contrary character : I mean to a- 
f'>ul overwhelmed with a fenfe of the greatnefs of its 
fins, and trembling under. the burthen,. as if there ; 
were no more hope for-him in God,\ (Chap. 12.) And 
that nothing may be omitted, which may give folid ; 
peace to the troubled/pint,.,! mall endeavor to guide 
its inquiries as to the evidences of fecere repentance 
and faith, (Chap. 23.) which will be farther nluftrated 
by a more particular view of the feveral branches of 
the chriflian temper, fuch as may ferve at once to af- - 
ffl the reader in judging what he is, and to fhew 
him what he moul.i labor to be, (Chap, 24.) This will 
naturally lead to a view of the need we have of the 
influence of the biefTed Spirit to 'aiiift us in the impor- 
tant and difficult work of the true Ghriftian ; and of ' 
the encouragement we have to hope for .his divine af-- 
ll-ftance. {Chap. 15.) In an humble dependence on which 
I fnall then enter on the coniideration of feveral cafes 
which often occur in the chriflian life, in which par- 
ticular addreiies to the conference may be requihte and 
ufeful. 

§ 9. As fome particular -difficulties, and difebur- 
agements attend the &it entrance on a religious 
eourfe, it will here be our -firft care to animate the 
young convert againft them. (Chap. 16.) And that it 
may be done more effectually, I fhall urge a folemn 
dedication of himlelf to God - } {Chap. 17.) to be cqik 



• i 



36 Rife, pregrefs 'of Religion in the Sbut. 

firmer!, by entering into the full .communion of the 
church, by -an approach to the facred table, {Chap. 18.' 
That thefe engagements may be more happily fulfill- 
ed, weihail endeavor to draw a more particular plan 
of that devout, regular, and accurate ccurfe, which 
ought daily to be attended to: (Chap. 19.) And be- 
cauie the idea will probably rife fo much higher than 
what is the general prncloe, even of good men, we 
fhall endeavor to p?r!uade the reader to make the at- 
tempt, hard as it may feem-; (Chap. 20.) and (hail 
caution him agamft various temptations, which might 
odierwife draw Jiim.afide. to negligence and fin, (Chap, 
21.) '.;•-. 

§ to, Happy will it be for the reader, if thefe 
exhortations and cautions be attended to with be- 
coming regard ; but as it is, alas, too probable, that 
notwithstanding all, the infirmities of nature will fome- 
times prevail, we fliali confider the cafe of deadnefsF 
and languor in region, which often fbals upon us by 
inienfible degrees ; (Chap. 12$ from whence there is 
too eaiy a palrasre to that terrible one of a return into 
khown'and deliberate iin, \ChAp. 23,) And as .the one 
or the other of thefe tendsj in a proportionable degree, 
to provoke the bleiTed God to hide his face, and his 
injured Spirit to withdraw that melancholy condition 
will be taken into a particular, furvey, (Chap. 24.) I 
ihail "hen take notice alio of the cafe -of great and hea- 
vy afiliciions in life ; (Chap. 25.) a difcipline which the 
beft of men have -reafon to expect, efpecially when 
they backside from God, and yield to their fpiritual 
enemies, . 

§ 11. Instances of this kind, will, I fear, be too 
frequent; yet, limit, th»e will be many others, 
whole path, like the dawning light, will fhine more 
and more until the perfect day ( b .j And therefore we 
(hail .endeavor in the beft manner we can 3 to aflift the 

(c) Frov. iv. 1 3. 



Rif ; , trogrefs of Religion in ihe Soul. 21 ■. 

chrifVian in palling a true judgment on the growth of 
grace in his heart ; (Chap, 26.) as we had clone before 
in judging cf its fincerity. And, as nothing conduces 
more to the advance of grace, than the lively exereife 
of love to God. and a holy joy in him, we fhall here 
remind the real Chriflian of thofe mercies which tend 
to excite that love and joy; (Chap. 27.) and, in the 
views of them, to animate him to thofe vigorous ef-~ 
fer's of uiefulnels in life, which fo well become his 
character, and will have fo happy an efficacy on 
brightenmg his crown. (Chap. 28.)' Suppoling him- to 
act accordingly, we mail then labor to iiluftrate and 
affift the delight, with which he may lock forward to 
the awful folernnities of death and judgment ; (Chap*. 
29,) And filill dole the fcene, by accompanying himy 
as it were, to the neareit confines of that dark valley, 
through which he is to pafs to glory, giving himfuch 
directions, as may feem moft fobfervient to his honou- 
ring God, and adorning religion, by his dying hepe,- 
that, through the divine bkffmg and grace, I may be 
hfcl^i^^rs ib lucccisfuL as to kry&thoie - tri- 
umphing in the views of judgment and eternity, and 
glorifying God by a truly chriRian life and death,, 
v. hem 1 found trembling in the apprehenfions of fix- 
ture raifery ; or perhaps, in a much more dangerous ; 
and miferable circumstance than that ; I mean- entire- - 
iy forgetting the profpecb, and funk into the mod ftii- 
pid iniennbility cf thofe things, for an attendance to- 
which the human mind was formed, and in compari- . 
fon or which, all the purfuits of this tranfitory life are., 
emptier than wind, and lighter than a feather. 

§ 12. Such a variety of heads mult, to before,. 
be handled but briefly, "as we intend to bring them 
within the bulk of a moderate volume. I fhall not, . 
therefore, difcufs them, as a preacher might properly 
do in fermons, in which the truths of religion are pro- 
feiiedly to be' explained and taught, defended and-< 



2S Rifs, progrefs of Religion in the & 

improved, in a wide variety, and long detail of pro- 
portions, arguments, objections, replies, and inferen- 
ces, marfhalled and numbered under their diiiinct ge- 
nerals, I fhall ne? ; fpeak in a looier and freer manner,, 
as a friend to a friend ; juft as I would do, if I were 
to be in perfon admitted to a private audience, by one 
whom I tenderly loved, and whole circunnoances and 
character 1 knew to be like that, which the title of one 
chapter or another of this treatife describes. And . 
when I have difconrie -d with him a little while, which 
will feidom be fo long as half an hour: I dr/il, as it 
were, £ep afide, and leave him to meditate on what 
ho has heard, or endeavour to afliii him in fuch fer- 
ve . addrefles to God, as it may be proper to mingle . 
w ; th ihofe meditations. In the mean time, 1 will here 
take the liberty to pray over my reader and my work, 
and te commend it fofemnly to the divine bhillng, in 
tcken cf inj deep conviction of an entire dependence . 
up-^n it. And I am well perfuaded, that fentiments • 
Bee thefe are common^ in the general, to every faith- ■ 
fill iHdiieiy and to every real chrifliaiir. 

^Prayer for the Succefs cf this Work, in prowling 
the Rise and Progress of Religion. 

THOU great eternal 'original Aether of all : 
created being ancL happinefs ! I adore thee. 
who hare made men a creature capable rf religion,, 
and haft bellowed this divinity and felicity upon 
our nature, that it may be taught to f.iy, Where is 
God our maker ( e j? I lament that degeneracy 
fpread over the whole human race, which has turn- 
ed cur glory into fllame ( r ), and has rerdered the 
forgetfulrefs of God (unnatural as it is) fo com- 
m >n and fo univerfal a difeafe. Holy Father, we 
know it is thy preience, and thy teaching alone that 
can reclaim thy wandering children, can imprels a 

(•:) Job XXXV, iO. (■■) Hof, IV, 7.- 



•2v/,£j progrefs of Religion in the Bout* iifcj 

fenfe of divine things on the heart, and render that 
fenfe larring and effe&ital. From thee proceed all good 
purpofes and deilres; and this defire above all, of dif- 
fuling wifdcm, piety and happinefs in this . world, 
which (though funk in ftich d-^ep apoitacy) thine m£« 
nite mercy has not utterly forfaken. 

* ; Thou knoweft, O Lord the hearts of the chil- 
dren of men( g ) ; and an upright foul, in the mklfi cf 
all the cenfures and iufpicions it may meet with, re- 
joices in thine intimate knowledge of its rnofi fecret 
•feati merits and principles of a£tiom Thou knowefi 
' the fincerity and fervency, with which thine unwor- 
thy fervant deilres to fpread the knowledge of thy 
name, and favour of thy gofpel, among all to whom 
this work may reach. Thou knoweft, that hadfi thou 
given him an abundance of this world, it would have 
been, in his e&eem, the nobleft pleafure that abun- 
dance could have afforded, to have been thine almo- 
ner, in diuributing thy bounties to the indigent and 
neceflitous, and fo cauiing the forrowful heart to re- 
joice in thy goodnef?, difpenied through his hands.. 
Thou knoweft, that hadfl thou given him, ei'her by 
ordinary or extraordinary methods, the gifts of heal- 
kig, it would have been his daily delight, to relieve 
the pains, the maladies, and the infirmities of mens 3 
bodies ; to have feen the languifhing countenance, 
brightened by returning health and cheerfoinefs ; and 
much more to have beheld the roving diffracted mind 
reduced to calmnefs and ferenity, in the exercife of 
its rational faculties. Yet happier, far happier will 
he think himfelf, in thofe- humble circumftances, in 
which thy Providence hath placed Mm, if thou vouch- 
fafe to honor thefe his feeble endeavors, as the means 
of relieving and enriching mens 5 minds ; of recover- 
ing them from the madnefs of a finful ftate, and bring- 
ing back thy reafonable creatures to the -knowledge^ 

(a) i Chron, vi, 3^« 



24 Rife, progref: cf Religion in the Soul 

the fer vice, and the enjoyment of their God; or of 
'improving thofe who are already reduced. 

" O may it have that blefled influence on the 
perfon whoibever he be, that is now reading thefe 
lines, and on all who may read or hear them I Let 
EOtmy Lord be angry, if [ prefume to afk s that how- 
ever weak and contemptible this werk may feem in 
the eyes of the children cf this world, and however 
imperfeci it really be, as well as the author of it un- 
worthy, it may neverthelefs live before thee; and 
through a divine power, be mighty to produce the 
rife and progrefs of religion in the minds of multitudes 
in diftant places, and in generations yet to ccme ! Im- 
pute it not, O God, as a culpable ambition, if I delire 
that whatever becomes of my name, about which I 
would not lofe one thought before tiiee, this work to 
which I am now applying myfelf in thy fire:: gth, may 
be completed and propagated far abroad ; that it may 
reach to thofe that are yet unborn, and teach them 
thy name and thy praiie, when the author has long 
dwelt in the drift : that fo, when he mail appear before 
thee in the great day of final account, his joy may be 
increafed, and his crown brightened, by numbers be- 
fore unknown to each other, and to him ! But if this 
petition be too great to be granted to one, who pre- 
tends no claim, but thy fovereign grace, to hope fcr 
being favored with the leaft, give him to be in thine 
Almighty hand, the blefled iniirument of converting 
and laving one foul: and if it.be but one, and that 
the weaker! and meaneft of thofe who are capable of 
receiving this addrefs, it fhall be moft thankfully ac- 
cepted as a rich recompence for all the thought and la- 
bor it may coft ; and though it fhould be amidft a 
thoufand di {appointments with refpecl to others, yet 
it fhall be the fubjecl: of immortal fongs of praife to 
thee, O blefled God, for and by every foul, whom, 
through the blood of Jefus, and the grace of thy Spi* 



Rife, progrefs cf Religion in th Soul. 25 

tit, thou haft-faved; and everlafring honors fhall be. 
aicribed to the Father, to me Son, and to the Holy 
Spirit, by the innumerable company of angels, and 
by the general affemblyand church of the firft-bora 
in heaven, Amen- 5 ' 



C H A P. II. 

The Gdfelefs Sinner awakened, 

Tt r-3 too fappofable a cafe, that this treatifo may corns into fuck 
hj's^, § I, a. Since many, not grofsly vicious, fail underthat cha- 
■r. <£ler. §34. A more particular illuftration of this cafe, with -n ap- 
peal to the reader, whether it be not his own.. §5,6. ExpolTdaticn 
with fuch •, §7—9- More particularly, (l.) From acknowledged prin- 
ciples, relating to the nature of GOD, his uniyerfal prefence, agency, 
and perfections. § 10 — 1-2. (%.) From a view of perfonal obligations to 
him. § 13. (\.) From the danger of this neglecl:, when coniidered in its 
afpeft on a future ftate. § 14. An appeal to the conscience, as already 
convinced. § 15. Transition to the fubjecT: of the next chapter. ..§ -l£. 
The meditation of a finner, who having been long thoughtlefs, begins 
to be awakened. 

§ i. QHAMEFULLY and fatally as religion is 
neglected in the world, yet bleffed be God it has 
ibme fintere difciples ; children of wifdom, by whom, 
•even in this fooliih and degenerate age, it is juftifi- 
ed( a ) ; who. having, by divine grace, been brought 
to the knowledge of God in Chrift, have faithfully 
devoted their hearts to him, and by a natural confe- 
'<jue::Ce, are devoting their lives to his fervice. Could 
I be ftire this tr&tife would fall into no hands but 
theirs, my work would be iharter, caller, and plea- ; 
fanter. 

§ 2, But among the thoufands that neglecl: reli- 
gion, it is mere than poilible, that fome of my read- 
ers may be included : And I am fo deeply aile&ed 
with their unhappy cafe, that the temper of my hear t 
-as well as the proper method of my fubiecl, leads me 

(a) Matt. xi. 19. 
(Ill) 



k6 ktfi, frogrcfs of Religion in the Soul. 

in the firft place to addrefs myfelf to fuch ; to apply 
to every cue cf them ; and theref . re to yon, O read- 
er, whoever you are, who may come under the de- 
nomination of a car clefs {inner. 

§ 3, Be not, 1 befeech you, angry at (he name. 
The p.-vficians cf fouls muic fpeak plainly, or they 
may murder thefe whom they fnouid cure. I would 
make no harm and unreafona'ble fuppofnion, I would 
charge you with nothing more than is abfrlutely 
neceiTary to convince you, that you are the perfon 
to whom I ipeak. I will no f 5 therefore, imagine you 
to be a prophane and abandoned profligate. I will 
not fuppofe that you allow yourlelf to b-afp'reme 
God, to difhonor his name by cuiiomary fwearicg, 
cr grofsly to violate his fabbath, or commonly to 
neglect the fclemnities of his public worfhip : I will 
not ■imagine that you have injured your neighbors in 
tnelr lives, their chaftity, or their pcffefficns, either 
by violence or by fraud ; or that you have fcanda- 
louily debafed the rational nature of man, by that 
-vile intemperance, which transforms us into theworit 
kind of brutes, or fomething beneath them. 

§ 4. In oppofition to all this, I will fuppofe, that 
you believe the exiftence and providence of Sod[, 
and the truth cf chriftianny, as a revelation from 
him : Of which, if you have any doubt, 1 mud de- 
fire, that you would immediately feek your fatisfac- 
tion elfewhere.* I fay immediately, becaufe not to 
believe it, is in effect to difbelieve it ; and will make 
your ruin equally certain, though perhaps it may 
leave it lefs aggravated, than if contempt and oppo- 
sition had been added to fuipicion and neglect. But 
fuppcfing you to be a nominal Chrillian, and not a 
JDeift, or a Sceptic ; I will alfo fuppofe your conduct 

\ * In fuch a cafe, I beg leave to refer the reader to my three fervors. 
fitttl^ Evidence of Chrljlianity \ the laft of the ten on the Pciver and 
Cracc\f Cbr'fl j in which he may fee the hitherto unflr.iken foundation 
of my 5wz fci-hi in a ftcrtj and 1 hope, t clear view. 



Ri/e, trogrsfs cf Religion in the Soul, 27. - 

among men to be not only hlameLfs but ami?. Me ; 
and that they who know you moih intimately., ranii 
acknowledge, that you are juft and (bber 9 humane 
and ejurte..u?, comp;itliona;e and liberal; yet with 
all this, you may lack that one thing ( b ) en which. 
yonr eternal happinefs depends. 

§5. I bef eech you, reader, whoever you r. re, 
• hit you would now look feriouily into your own 
heart, and ai'k it this one plain qneition— Am 1 truly 
religious ? Is the love of God tne governing p-rincl- 
ple cf my life ? Do I walk under a ienie of nis pr->- 
fence ? Do I convert wiih him from d.iy to clay, in 
the exercife of prayer and praiie ? And am I> on the 
whole, making his (ervice my binhefs and my delight y 
regarding him as my matter and my father I 

§ 6. it is mv prcfent bufr.ieis only to aidreis- 
my fe If to the per f 311 v,hofe confeknee anfwers in 
the. negative. And I would add refs, with equal 
plainnefs, and equal freedom, to high and low, to 
rich and poor : 'lb you, who (as the fcripture with a 
dreadful propriety expreiTes it) live without God i 1 
the world ( c ) ; and while in words and forms, ycu 
own GW, deny him in your actions, ( d ) and behave 
yourfelves in the main, (a few extern-: I c:re:ncn:es 
only excepted) jufl as you would do if you believ- 
ed, and were lure there was no God, Unhappy crea- 
ture, whoever you are ! -your own heart condemns 
you immediately ; and how much more that God 
who is greater than your heart*, and kneweth .alL 
things. ( e ) He is in fecret,( f ) as well as in public ; 
and words cannot exprefs the delight with which 
his children converfe with him alone : But in fecrer. 
you acknowledge him not ; you neither pray to him, 
nor praife him in your retirements. Accounts, cor- 
refpondencies, Studies may often bring you into your 
clcfet ; but if nothing but devotion were to be tranf 

lb) Mark*. H. (c) Eph. ii. 1*. (<i) Tit. i. i5. (V) 1 John HI. 20. 
' (f) .Matt,.vi,.6.. . 



:8 Rife, progrefs tf Religion in the Sou:. 

a&ed there, it would be to you q lite an unfr=qa£Ct» 
ed place. And thus you go on from day to day, in 
a continual forgetfulnefs of God ; and«areas though t- 
lefs about religion, as if you had long fjnce demon- 
strated it toyourfelf, that it was a mere ere?, in. If, 
iadeel, you arefick, you will perhaps cry to God for 
Jiealth ; in any extreme danger, you will lift up your 
eyes and voice for deliverance ; but as for the pardon 
of fin 5 and the other blsfficgs of the gofpe"L you are* 
not at all inwardly fclkitous about them, though you 
proms to believe that the gdpel is divine, and" the 
bleffings of it eternal. All }-our thoughts, and all 
your^hours, are divided between the buikefs and the 
amufements of life ; and if now and then, an awful 
Providence, or a ferious fermon or book, aw, kens 
you, k is but a few days, or it may be, a few hours, 
md you are the fame carelefs creature you ever were 
before. On the whote s you acl 5 as if you *:ere re- 
folved to put it to the venture, and at your own ex- 
pence to make the experiment, whether the confe- 
rences of negle cling religion be indeed as t -rrible as 
its mmlfters and friends have reprefected. Their re- 
monilrances do indeed fometimes force themfelves 
upon you, as (confideriog the age and country in 
which you live) it is hardly pofliole entirely to avoid 
them ; but you have, it may be, found cut the art 
of Iiluah's people, hearing to hear, and not to under* 
iland ; and feeing to fee, and not to perceive : your 
heart is wax*d grofs, your eyes are clofed, and your 
ears heavy. ( g ) Under the very ordinances cfwor- 
fhip, your thoughts are at the end of the esirth;( b ) 
Every amuiement of the imagination is welcome, if it 
may but lead away your mind from lb infipid, and 
io difagreeable a mbjeft as religion. And probably 
the very Lift time you were in a worshipping afTcmbly 
you managed, jull as you would have done, if yot> 

(g) lfai. vi. 9,lo, (h) Prov. Xv'd. 24. 



Rife, frogrefs of Religion in the SduC 29"' 

had thought Gid knew nothing of your behaviour ; - 
or, as if you did not think it worth one fingle care ? 
whether ne were pleafed or difplealed with it. 

§ 7. Alas ^ is it then come to this, with ail your 
belief of God, and Providence, and fcripture ? That; 
religion is not worth a thought ! That it is not worth 
one hour's ferious confederation and ' reflection, 
"' What God and drift are ; and what you your- 
felves are, and what you muft hereafter be \" Where 
then are all your rational faculties ? How are they 7 
employed, or rather, how are they ftuphied and be- - 
numbed f 

§ 8. The certainty and importance of the things 
of which I fpeak are fo evident, from the* principles 
which you ycurfelves grant, that one might aimed: 
let a child or an ideot to reafon upon them. And 
yet they are neglected by thoie who are grown up 
to understanding, and perhaps ibme of them to fuch 
refinement of underiianding, that they would think 
themfelves greatly injured, if they were not to be 
reckoned among the politer, and 'the more learned' 
part of mankind. 

j 9. But it is not your neglect, ■' Sirs, that can 
destroy "the being or importance of fuch things as 
thefe. It may indeed deitroy you, but it cannot in 
the leaft affect thern. Permit me, therefore, having 
been myfelf awakened, to come to each of you, and 
fay, as the mariners did to Jonah, while afleep ip the 
rnidit of a much lefs dangerous florm. What mean* 
eft thou, O fleeper ?: Arife and call upon thy GccL ( l j 
Do you doubt as to the reaibnablenefs, or i v-ceihty 
of doing it? .1 will demand, and anfwer me : ( k ) An- 
iwer me to your own confeieoce, as one that mufs 
ere long, render another kind of account. 

§ 10. You own that there is a God; and well 
you may ; for you caanot open your eyes, but you- 

(0 Jon. :» 6. (k) Job xxxviii. 3, 

(in 2) 



30 Rife, progrcfs cf Religion in the Soul. 

fee the evident proofs of his being, his prefence, and 
Ins agency. You behold him around you in every 
object.. You feel him within you, if I may fo fpeak, 
in every vein, and in every nerve. You fee, and you 
feel, notonly that he hath formed you with an ex- 
qu'fite wifdom, which no mortal man could ever ful- 
ly explain or comprehend, but that he is continually 
near you, wherever you are, and however you are 
employed, by day, or by Eight ; in him ycu live and 
move, and have your being. ( } ) Common fenfe will 
tell you, that it is not your own wifdom, aad -power, 
.aid attention, that caufes your heart to beat, and 
your blood to circulate ; that draws in, and fends 
out that breath of life, that precarious breath of a 
moil uncertain life, that is in your nefrrils. ( m ) Thefe 
things are done when you fieep, as well as in ihofe 
waking moments, when you think not of the circula- 
tion of the blood, or of the necefiity of breathing, 
nor fo much as recollect that you have a heart and 
and lungs. Nov/ wliat is this, but the hand cf God, 
perpetually {importing and actuating thcfe curious 
machines that he has made ? 

§ it. Nor is this his care limited to you ; but if 
ycu lo:k all. around you, far as your views can 
reach, ycu fee it extending itfelf on every fide: And 
O how much farther than you can trace it !■ Reflect 
on the light and heat, which the fun- every where 
difpenfes; on the air, which fur-rounds all cur globe, 
on the right temperature cf which the life of the 
whole human race depends, and that of all the infe- 
rior creitures which dwell on the earth, Think ct 
the fuitable and plentiful provlfion made for man ?.nd 
beaft-, the grafs, the grain, the variety of fruits, and 
herbs, and flowers; everything that nonrifhes u% 
every thing that delights us; and fay, whether it dcjh 
net {peak plainly and loudly, that our Almighty Ma- 
te) Afts xvii. »8, O) Ifii, ii, frfcj' 



Rife, p'igrefs of Religion in the Soul. 3T 

ker is near, and that he is careful of us, and kind to 
us. And while all thefe things proclaim his good~- 
nefs, do they not alfo proclaim his power ? For what: 
power is any thing comparable to that which fur- 
nilhes Out thofe gifts of royal bounty ; and which , 
unwearied and unchanged, produces continually, 
from day to day, and from age to age, fuch afbnifh- 
ing and magnificent effects over the face of the whole 
earth, and through all the regions of heaven? 

§ 12. It is then evident, that God is prefent, pre- 
sent with you at this moment ; even Gcd your Crea- 
tor and Preferver, Gcd the Creator and Prefer ver of 
the whole vifible and invifible world. And is he not 
preient as a moft obfervant and attentive Being ? He 
that termed the eye, (hall he not fee? He that planted 
the ear, (hall he not hear ? He that teaches man know- 
ledge, that gives him his rational faculties, and pours 
in on his opening mind all the light it receives by 
them, fhall not he know? ( n ) He who fees all the ne- 
ceffities of his creatures, fo feafcnably to provide for 
them, mall he not fee their actions too ; ai:d feeing, 
Ihall he not judge of them? has he given us a feme and 
difcernment of what is good and evil, of what is true 
and falfe, of what is fair and deformed in temper and 
conducl ; and has he himfelf no difcernment of thefe 
things ? Trifb not with your con fcience, which tells 
you at once, that he judges of it, and approves or 
condemns, as it is decent or indecent, reaionable or un- 
reafbnable ; and that the judgment which he paiics, is 
of infinite importance to all his creatures. 

§13. And now, to apply all this to your own 
cafe, let me feriouily afk yGu, Is it a decent and rea- 
ionable thing, that this great and glorious Benefactor 
mould be neglecled by his rational creatures ? By 
thofe, that are capable of attaining to fome knowledge 
of him > and prefenting to him fome homage? Is It 

(p) Pfa,.xriv, 9 j iOj . - m 



3 2 Rtfe, progrefs r f Religion in ths So:;!. 

decent and reafonable that he fhould be forgotten and 
neglected by you ? Are you alone, of all the works of 
his hands, forgotten or neglected by him? O (inner, 
thoughtiefs as you are, you cannot dare to fay that^ . 
or even to think it. You need not- go back to the 
helplefs days of your infancy and childhood, to con- 
vince you of the contrary. You need not, in crder 
to this, to recollect- the remarkable deliverances, 
which, perhaps, were wrought cut for you many years 
ago. The repofe of the laft night, the refrefhment 
and comfort you have received this day; yea, the 
mercies you are receiving this very moment, bear wit- 
nefs to him ; and yet you regard him- not. . Ungrate- 
ful creature that you are .'Could you have treated any • 
human benefactor thus? Could you. have borne to 
neglect a. kind parent, or any generous friend, that 
had butfor a fewmonths acled the part of a parent to 
you ? To have taken no not'ce of binr while in his pre- 
tence; to have returned him no thanks ; to have had 
no contrivances to make fome little acknowledgment 
for all his goodnefs? Human nature, bad. as it is, is 
not fallen io low. Nay, the brutal nature is not fo 
low as this. Surely every domefuc animal round you, 
muft fhame inch ingratitude. If you do but for a few • 
days take a little kind notice of a dog, and feed him 
with the refufe of your table, he will wait upon you, , 
and love to be near you ; he will be eager to follow 
you from place to place, or when, after a little ab~ 
fence, you return heme, will try, by a thoufand fond ■ 
tranfported motions, to tell you how much he rejoi- 
ces to fee you again. Nay, brutes, far lefs fagacious^ 
and apprehenfive, have fome ienfe of our kindnefs, 
and exprefs it after their way ; as the blefled GWcon- 
defcends to ohferve in this very view, in which I men- 
tion it^ the dull ox knows its owner, and the flupid afs 
Jus mailer's crib:(°) What lamentable degeneracy 

(o) Ifai, i« 3. 



Rjfe^ progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 3 % 

therefore is it, that you do not know, that you, who 
have been numbered among God's profeiling people, do 
not, and will not confide? ycur numberlefs obligations 
to him i 

§ 14. Surely, if you hare any ingenuity of tem- 
per, you mure be afhamed and grieved in the review, 
but if you hive not, give me leave farther to expostu- 
late with you on this head, by letting it in fomething 
of a different light. Can you think yourfelves fafe, 
while you are acting a part like this ? Do you not ia 
your conscience believe there will be a future judg- 
ment ? Do you not beluve there is an invisible and 
eternal world ? As profefTed Chriitians, we all believe 
it ; for it is no controverted point, but difplayed in 
fcripture with fo clear an evidence, that, fabiife and 
ingenious as men are ia error, they have not yet found 
out a way to evade it. And believing this, do you 
not fee, that while you are thus wandering from God* 
deftru&iofl and mii~ry are in ycur ways ?■{*} Vrm iliii 
indolence and negligence of temper be anyfecurity to- 
you r Will it guard you from death f Will it excufe 
you from judgment ? You might much more reafon- 
ably expert, that (hutting your eyes would be a de- 
fence againft the rage of a devouring lion ; or that 
looking another way mould fecure your body from 
being pierced by a 'bullet or a fword. When God" 
ipeaks of the extravagant folly of fome thoughtlefs 
creatures, who would hearken to no admonition now., 
he adds, in a very awful manner, In the latter day 
they fhall confider it perfectly. ( q ) And is not this ap- 
plicable to you ? Muit you not, /doner or later,- be 
brought to think of thefe things., whether you will or 
not ? And,, in the mean time, do yen not certainly 
know, that timely and ferious reflection upon them is, 
through divine, grace, the orly way to prevent your 
ruin ? 

Cp) Rom. Ui, i.6» {4) Jer. xxiii, 33. 



34 Rifc, prcgrefs of Religion in the Sen/. 

i 15. Yes, firmer, I need not multiply words on 
a fuhject like this. Your conference is already in- 
wardly convinced, though your pride may be unwil- 
ling to own it. And, to prove it, let me afk you one 
queftion more : Would you, upon any terms and con- 
siderations whatever, come to a reibliuion, absolutely 
todifmifs all farther thought of religion, and ail care 
about it, from this day and hour, and to abide by the 
cenfequenses of that neglect ?■ I believe, hardly any 
man living, would be bold enough to determine upon 
this. I beiieve, moft of my readers would be ready 
to tremble at the thought of it. 

§ 16. But if it be necefiary to take thefe things 
into confideration at all, it is neceiTary to do it quicic- 
Iy ;. for life itfelf is not fo very long, nor 10 certain,, 
that a wife man mould riik. orach upon its continu- 
ance. And I hope to convince you, when I have an- 
other hearing, that it is neceiTary to do it immediate? 
Iy • zni th^t. i?pvt to themaanefs of referring you 
will not think 6f religion at all, is that of living you 
will think of it hereafter. In the mean time, pauie on 
the hints which have been already given, and they 
will, prepare ycu to receive what is to be added on. 
that head. 

The -Meditation of a Sinner, who was once thought* 
lefs, but begins to- be awakened*. 

"AWAKE, O my forget r ul foul, awake frcm 
thefe wandering dreams. Turn thee from this 
chace of vanity,, and for a little while be perfuad- 
ed by all thefe conilferatious, to look forward, and to 
lock upward- at. leaft for a few moments. Sufficient 
are the hours and days, given to the labors and amufe- 
ments of life. Grudge not a fhort allottment of min- 
utes, to view thyfelf, and thine own more immediate 
concerns; to refhcT:, who, and what thou art ; how 
it comes to pafs that thcu art here, and what thou 
mull quickly be ! 



.' Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul* 52 

"" It is indeed, as thou haft fees it now reprefen- 
fed. O my foul I Thou art the creature of God ; 
formed and furnifhed by him, and lodged m a body 
which he provided, and which he fupports ; a body, 
in which he intended thee only a tranfitory abode. O 
think how foon this tabernacle muft be diuolved,( r ) 
and thc-u muft return to God. ( f ) And fhall He, the 
One, Infinite, Eternal, Ever-bleHed, and Ever-glori- 
cus Being, (hall He be the learn of all regarded by 
thee? Wilt thou live and die with this character, fay- 
ing by every action of every day, unto God — Depart 
from me, for I defire not the knowledge of thy ways ? 
( c ) Th^ morning, the day, the evening, the night, 
every period of time has^ its excufes for this neglect : 
But O my foul, what will theie excufes appear, when 
examined 'by his penetrating eye i They may delude 
me, but they cannot impofe upon him, 

" O thou injured, neglected, provoked Benefac- 
tor ! When 1 think, but for a moment cr two, of all 
thy greatoefs, and of ail thy goodnefs, I am aftonilhed 
at this mfenfibility, which hath prevailed in my heart, 
and even ftill prevails. I blufn, and am confounded 
to lift up my face before thee. ( u ) Gn the moft tran- 
sient review, I fee than I have phyed the foci, that I 
have erred exceedingly. ( x ) And yet this ftupid heart 
of mine, would make its having neglected thee fo long, 
a reafon for going en to neglect thee. I own it might 
-juftiy be expected, that, with regard to thee, every one 
of thy rational creatures fhould be all duty and love : 
That each heart fhould be full of a fenie of thy pre- 
• fence ; and that a care to pleafe thee fhould fwallow 
up every other care. Yet thou haft not been in all 
-my thoughts ; ( y ) and religion, the end and glory of 
my nature, has been .fo ftrangely overlooked, that I 
have hardly ewr feriouily aiked my own heart what 
it is. I know, if matters reft here, I perifh, and yet, 

,(r) a Cor. v. i. (-) Ecci. x?i. 7, (t) Job xxi. 74. (u) Bzr. i* 6. 
(s) I Sam. xxvi, 21, (y) pfa'm x. 4. 



3 6 J$5, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, , 

I fee! in my perverfe nature, a fecret indifpcfition to 
purfue t>eie thoughts ; a profanenefs, if not entirely 
to difcrifs them, yet to lay them afide for the prefent. 
My mind is perplexed and divided ; but I am fare, 
thou who madeft me, knoweft what is beft for me. 
I therefore befeech thee, that thcu wit, for thy 
name's fake, lead me £nd guide me. ( z ) Let me not 
delay, till it is for ever too late. Pluck me as a brand 
cut of the burning. (- a ) O break this fatal enchant- 
ment that holds down my affection to objects which 
my judgment comparatively defpifes ! And let me, at 
length, come into ib happy a ftate of mind, that I may 
not be afraid to think of thee, and of myielf ; ancl 
may not be tempted to wifh that thou hadft not made 
me, or that thou couldft for ever forget me ; that it 
may not be my bed hope to perifh like the brutes. 

<J If what I (hall farther read here, be agreeable 
to truth and reafon ; if it be calculated to promote 
my happinefs, and is to be regarded as an inrimatLn 
of thy will and pleafure to me ; O God, let me hear 
and obey ! Let the words of thy fervant, when plead- 
ing thy caufe, be like goads to pierce into my miDd ! 
Aifd let me rather feel, and fmart, than die ! Let 
thtei be as nails faflened in a fure place :( b ) That 
whatever myfteries are as yet unknown, cr whatever 
difficulties there be in religion, if it be neceiTary, I 
may not finally forget it ; and that if it be expedient 
to attend immediately to it, I may no longer delay 
that attendance ! And, O let thy grace teach me the 
leffon I am fo Sow to learn ; and conquer that ftrong 
opposition, which I feel in my heart, againft the very 
thought of it I Hear thefe broken cries, far the fake 
of thy Son, who has taught, and faved many a crea- 
ture, as untraceable as I, an 1 can out of f tones rails 
up children to Abraham ?"( c ) 

(*) Pfalru xxxi 3> (?) Amos iv, II, (b) Tec!, xii^ai, (0 Matt, iii. ?. 



fRife.^ progrefs &f Religion in. the Swh .3,7 

CH A P. HI. 

The awakened Sinner urged to immediate 'Conjtderatiott, m$ 
cautioned againfl Delay, 

Sinners wlisn awakened, inclinable to <difmifs convictions for the pre- 
ient. § X. An immediate regard to religion urged, § Z. (r.) From the 
excellency and pleafure of the thing itfelf. § j. "(a.') From the uncertainty 
©f that future time, on which flnners prefume, compared with the fad con- 
sequences of being cut off in fin. §,4. (3.) From the immutability of 
GOD's prefent demands. § 5. (4.) From the tendency, which delay has, 
to make a compliance with thefe demands more difficult than it is at pre- 
sent. § 6. (5.) From the danger of GGD's withdrawing his Spirit,- com- 
/pared with the dreadful cafe of a finner given up- by it. § 7, Which, pro- 
bably, is now the cafe with many. ^§S. Since therefore, on the whole^ 
whatever the event may be, delays may prove matter of lamentation. § 9* 
The chapter-concludes with an exhortation agai nit yielding to them. §•» 
IQ\ And a prayer againft temptations of that kind. 

§ i. Jj[ HOPE my laft addrefs fo far awakened 
the convictions of my reader, as to bring him to this 
purpofe, Cf That fome time or other, he would attend 
to religious confiderations." But give me leave to aflc 
■earnefiy and punctually, "When that ihall be?" 'Go 
thy way for this time, and at a more convenient fea« 
Ton I will fend for thee,' was the language, and the ru- 
in, of unhappy Felix, ( a ) when he trembled under the 
reafonings and expoitulations of the apofde. The 
tempter prefumed not to urge that he fhould give up 
all thoughts of repentance and reformation ; but only 
that,-confidering the prefent hurry of his affairs (as no 
doubt they were many) he fliould defer it to a long- 
er day. The artifice fucceeded, and Felix was un* 
done. 

§ 2. Will you, reader, difmifs me thus? For your 
own fake, and out of tender companion to your per- 
Ifhing and immortal foul, I would not willingly take 
up with fuch a difmifiion and excufe. No,' not thougk 
you mail fix a time ; th©ugh you (hall determine oa 
'the next year, or month, or week, or day. I would 
turn upon you with all the eagernefs and tenderaefe 

(a) A£h xxiv. S?» 

(IV)- 



$g! Rife^progrfs of Religion in the Soul. 

of friendly importunity, and inrreat you to bring the 
tnatter to an iflue even now. For if you fay, " I will 
think on fhefe things to-morrow/' I (hall have but 
little hope ; and (hall conclude, that all I have hither- 
to urged, and all you have read, hath been offered 
snd viewed in vain. 

$ 3. When I invited you to the care and practice 
of religion, it may feem ftrange, that it mould be ne- 
ceffary for me, affectionately to plead the cafe with 
you, in order to your immediate regard and compli- 
ance. What I am inviting you to, is To noble and 
excellent in itfelf, fo well v/orth the dignity of cur ra- 
tional nature, fo fuitabie to it, fo manly, and fo wife, 
that one would imagine, you fhould take fire, as it 
were, at the flrft -hearing of it ; yea, that fo delight- 
ful a view .fhould prefently poliefs your whole foul 
with a kind of indignation againft yourfelf, that you 
.purfued it no fooner. " May I lift up my eyes and 
my foul to God ? May I devote myfelf to him ? May 
■I even now commence a friendfhip with him ? A 
■friendfhip which mail laft for ever, the fecurity, the 
delight, the glory of this immortal nature of mine. ?" 
And mail I draw back and fay, " neverthelefs let me 
. not commence this friendfhip too foon : Let me live 
at lead a few weeks, or a few days longer, without 
God in the world." Surely it would be much more 
reafonable to return inward, and fay, u O my foul, 
-on what vile hulks haft, thcu been feeding, while thine 
Heavenly Father has been forfaken and injured? Shall 
I defire to multiply the days of my poverty, my fcan- 
dal, and my mifery?" On this principle, fnrely an 
immediate return to God fhould in all r ^afon be cho- 
fen, rather than to play the fool any longer, and to 
go on a little more to difpleafe God, and thereby to 
ftarve and to wound your own foul even though your 
.continuance in life were ever fo certain, and your ca- 
- paeity to return to God and your duty, ever fo entire- 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sold, ac/ 

ly in your own power now, and in every future mo- 
ment,' through fcores of years yet to com?, 

§ 4. But who, or what are you, that you fnonlct 
lay your account for years, or for months to come? 
What is your life ? Is it not even as a vapour, that 
appeareth for a little time, and then vfinifheth away ? 
( b )And what is your fecurity or what is your peculiar . 
warrant, that you mould thus depend upon the cer- 
tainty of its continuance I And that fo absolutely, as 
to venture, as it were, to pawn your foul upon it ? — ■ 
Why, you will perhaps fay, " I am young, and in all 
my bloom and vigor ; I fee hundreds about me, who 
are more than double my age, and not a few of them, 
who feem to think it too foon to attend to religion 
yet." You view the living, and you talk thus. But 
Ibefeech you, think of the dead. Return in your 
thoughts, to thofe graves in which you have left fome 
of your young companions and your friends. You 
faw them a while ago, gay and a£tive ; warm with hie 
and hopes, and fchemes ; and iome of them would 
have thought a friend ibrangely importunate, that 
fhould have interrupted them in their bufmefs and 
their pleafures, with a folemn lecture on death and 
eternity ;_ yet they were then on the very borders of 
both. You have iiace feen their corpfes, or at leafc 
their coffias ; and probably carried about with you 
the badges of mourning which* you received at their 
funerals. Thofe once vigorous, and perhaps beauti- 
ful bodies of theirs, now iie mouldering m the duft, 
as fenfelefs and helplefs, as the moft decrepid pieces of 
human nature, which fourfcore years ever brought 
down to it ; and what is infinitely more to be regard* - 
ed, their fouls, whether prepared for this great change 
or though tieis of it, have made their appearance be- 
fore God, and are at this moment, fixed either ia 
heaven or ia hell. Nov/, let me ferioufly aik you^ 

(b) James i. 14, 



4p Mtfi s progrcfs of Religion in ifo SoaL 

would it be miraculous, or would it be ftrange, if fuch 
an event ihould befal you ? How are you fure that 
fome fatal difeafe fhall not this day begin to wcrk in 
your veins? How are you fure that you fhall evr 
be capable of reading or thinking any more, if you do 
not attend to what you now read, and purfue the 
thought which is now offering itfelf to your mind ? 
This fudden alteration may at leaf! pouTbly happen ; 
and if it does, it will be to you a terrible one indeed. 
To be thus furprized into the prefence of a forgotten 
Cod ; to be torn away at once from a world, to 
which your whole heart and foul has been rivetted ; a 
world which has engroffrd; all your thoughts and cares, 
all; jour defires and purfuits ; and be fixed in a liate, 
which you could never be fo far perfuaded to think 
cf, as to fpend one hour in ferious preparation for it : 
How mufl you even fhudder at the apprehenfion of hv 
and with what horror mult it fill you f It feems mat- 
ter cf wonder, that, in fuch circumftances, you are 
not almcft diftracled with the thoughts of the uncer- 
tainty of life, and are not even ready to die for fear 
of death. To trifle with pod any longer, after lb fo- 
lemn an admonition as this, would be a cireumftance 
of additional provocation, which, after all the reft, 
might be fatal. Nor is there any thing you can ex- 
peS ki fuch a cafe, but that he fhouii cut you off 
immediately, and teach other thoughtlefs creatures by 
your ruin, what a hazardous experiment they; make,, 
when they a& as you are acting. 

§ 5. And will you, after all, run this defperate 
frife? For what imaginable purpofe can you doit? 
Do you think the bufinefs of religion will^ become kfi ne- 
ceffaryy or more eafy by vour delay ? You know that 
it will not. You know, that whatever the bleffed God 
demands now, he will alfo demand twentv cr thirty 
years hence, if you mould live to fee the time. God 
hath fixed the merhod in which he will pardon and ac- 
cent fmners, in his gofpel. And will he ever alter that 



Rife, progrefs cfReligicrt in the Seal 4 s 

method? Or if he will not, can men alter it? You 
like not to think of repenting, and humbling yourfelf 
before God, to receive righteoufnefs and life from his - 
free grace in Chrift; and you above all, diflike the 
thought of returning to God m the ways of hoiyobe- • 
dience. But will he ever difpenfe with any of thefe 9 
and publifh a new gofpel, with promif ; s of life and fak • 
vation to impenitent , unbelieving finners flflhzy will but 
call themfelves Chrift ians, and fubmit to a few exter- 
nal rites; how long, do you think, you might wait for 
fuch a change in ihe* confutation of things? You 
know death will come upon you;- and you cannot 
but know in your own confeience, that a general dif- 
folution will come tipon the world, long before God - 
can thus deny himfelf, and crmtradict all his perfec- 
tions, and all his declarations* - 

$ 6. Or if his demands continue the fame, as 
they.afTuredly will, do you think, any thing which i$ 
now dif agreeable to you in them, will be lets difagree- 
able hereafter than it is at prefent ? ' Shall you love 
fin lefs, when it is become more habitual to you, and 
when confeience is yet -more enfeebled and debauch- - 
ed ? If you are running vjiib the footmen and fainting^ 
ihall you be able to' contend -with the horfemen ?( c ) Surely 
you cannot imagine it, You would noc fry, in any 
diftemper which threatened your life, " 1 will Hay till ' 
I grow a little wcrfe 5 , and then I will^pply to a phy- 
ficisn : I will let my difeafe get a little more rooting 
in my vitals, and then I will try what can be done to 
remove it." No, it is only where the life of the foul 
is concerned, that men think thus widely : The life 
and health of the body appear too precious, to be 
thus trifled away. 

§ 7. If after fuch derperate experiments- you are 
ever recovered, irmuft be by an operation of divine 
grace on your foul, yet more powerful and more 

(c) Je*. xit; j. 
(iV2) 



4* Rifi-i pngttfi of Religion in the Sou!. 

wonderful, in proportion to the increafmg inveteracy 
of your fpiritual maladies. And can you expect that 
the Holy Spirit fhould hzmore ready to ajjift you, in confe- 
quei:ce of your having fo fhamefully trifled with him 
and arlronted him? He is now, in fome meafure, mov- 
ing on your heart: If you feel any fecret relentings in 
it upon what you read, it is a fign you are not yet uf- 
terly forfaken : But who can tell whether thefe are 
eot the lait touches he will ever give, to a heart fo 
long hardened againfi him ? Who can tell, but God 
may this day /wear in his wrath , that you Jhall not enter 
into his reft P ( d ) I have been telling you that you may 
Immediately die. You own it poilible you may. And 
can you think of any thing more terrible ? Yes, fin- 
• ner, I will tell you of one thing more dreadful than 
immediate death and immediate damnation. The bleffeef 
Gcd may fay, " as for that wretched creature 
who has fo long trifled with me, and provoked 
sne, let him frill live .- Let him live in the midft cf 
profperity and plenty : Let him live under the purefb 
and molt powerful ordinances of the gofpd too, that 
he may a'bufe them, to aggravate his condemnation, 
and die under feven-fold guilt, and a feven-fold curfe, 
I will not give him the grace to think of his ways for 
one ferious moment more ; but he fhaii go on from 
bad K> worfe, filling up the meafure of his iniquities, till 
death and dettruation fcize him in an unexpected 
hour, and wrath come upon him to the uttermojt,* 9 ( e ) 

$ 8. Yen think this an uncommon cafe, but I 
fe?r it is much otherwife, I fear there are few con- 
gregations where the word of God has been faithfully 
preached, and where it has been long dofpifed, especi- 
ally by thofe whom it had one awakened, in which the 
eye of God does not fee a number of fuch wretched 
fouls; though it is impofiibie for us to pronounce up- 
on the cafe, who they are, 

(1) Heb. ill* i*. (e) i TacIT, ii, r$ 



Rift^rogtefs of Religion in the Souk 49- 

§ 9. I pretend not to fay how he will deal with 
you, O reader; whether he will immediately cut you 
off, cr feal you up under final hardneis and impeniten- 
ey of heart ; or whether his grace may at length awak- 
en you to coniider your ways, and to return to him^ 
even when your heart is grown yet more obdurate 
than it is-at prefe'nt ; for to his almighty grace noth- 
ing is hard, not even to transform a rock of marble 
into a man and a faint. Bat this I will confidently fay, , 
that if you delay any longer, the time- will Come, 
when you will bitterly repent of that delay ; and ei* 
ther lament it before God in the anguiih of your heart ; 
here, or curie your own folly and madnefs in hell 5 
yea, when you will wilh, that dreadful as hell is, you 
had rather fallen into it fooner, than have lived in the 
midft of to many abufed mercies, to render the de- 
gree of your puni foment more infupp ortable, and 
your fenfe of it more exquiiitely tormenting. 

§ 10. I do therefore earnefcly exhort you, in the- 
name of our Lord Jefus Chrifi, and by the worth, and 
if I may fo fpeak, by the blood of your immortal and 
perilhing foul, that you delay not a day. or an hour 
longer. . Far from giving fie ep to your eyes x or Jkmher to 
your eye-lids 9 ( f ) in the continued neglect of this import- 
ant concern, take with yen even now,- words'^ and turn 
unto the Lord s ( s ) .and before you quit the place; where 
you now are, fail upon .your knees in his (kcred pre- 
fence, a-^d pour out your heart in fuch language, or at 
leaft to fome fach ; purpofe as- ,thi s~ 

A Prayer for en? who is tempted to delay applying ic ■ 
Religion, though under fome conviction of. its importance. 

6S OThfou righteous and holy Sovereign of heaven 
and earth ! Thou GoJ 9 in lohqfe hard thy breath is^ and whofe 
are all my vjays / ( h ) I cenfefs I have been far from glorify- 
ing thee, cr conducting myfelf according to the iati- 

(0 Prw* riv 4. (?) 'Hof. xiv, »♦ (h) Dan. %, %%» 



44 &fe> prtgrefs of RtKgion m the S&£ 

mations or the declarations of f hy will. I have there- 
fore reafon to adore thy forbearance and gpoduefs, 
that thou haft nor long fence {topped my breath, and 
cut me off from the land of the living. I adore thy 
patience, that I have not, months and years ago* been 
an inhabitant of heli^ where tew thoufand delaying 
finners are now lamenting their fclry> and will be la- 
menting it fcr ever.- But, O God, how poffible is \t 9 
that this trifling heart of mine, may at length betray 
me into the fame -rami and then^ alas, into a ruin ag- 
gravated by alLthis patience and forbearance of thine I- - 
I am convinced^ .that fooner or later, religion muft be ' 
my ferious care, or lam undone. And yet my fcol- 
iih heart draws back from the yoke : Yet I ftretch 
myielf upon the bed of floth, and cry i - out for a little 
morejfeepi a, little more Jlumber , a little mere folding of the 
hands to flcep.( x ) Thus dees my corrupt heart- plead for r 
its own indulgence, againft the convictions of my bet- 
ter judgment. What fhall I {ay f O Lord, fave me 
from my felf ! Save me from the artifices and deceit- 
fulnefs of iin : Save me : from the treachery • of this 
perverfe and degenerate nature of mine, ana fix upon « 
my mind what! haveiiow been read ingl- 

"O Lord,! am not now inftrucled in truths which 
were before quite unknown. Ofren have I been warn- : 
ed of the uncertainty of life, and of the greater nncer- - 
tainty of the day or falvation; .:and I have; formed ! 
fome light purpofes, and have b gun to take a few ir- 
refoiute lieps in my way towards a return unto thee, 
But, alas, I have been only, as it were, fluttering about • 
religion^ and have never fixea upon it. . All my refolu- 
dons have been feattered like fmoke, or difperfed like 
a cloudy vapeur before the wind. O that thou 
wouldft now bring thefe things home to my heart ■ 
with a more powerful conviction than it hath ever yet 
felt ! Q that thou wouldft purfue me with them evea 

£?) Pror.- vi, ja« 



&fejprogrcfsef Religion bi tbe SouL 4£ 

when I flee from them, if I ihould ever grow mad 
enough to endeavor to efcape them anymore! May 
thy Spirit addrefs me m the language of effectual ter- 
ror, and add all the moft powerful methods which 
thoukaoweft to be neceffary to awaken me from this 
lethargy, which muft otherwife be mortal ! May the 
found of thele things be ia mine ears when. I go out and 
when I come in^ when I lie down and when I rife up / ( k ) 
And if the repofe of the night and the bufinefs of the 
day, be for a while interrupted by the impreffion, be 
it fe, O God ! if I may but thereby carry on my bu- 
finefs with thee to better purpofe, and at length fe- 
cure a repofe in thee, inftead of all that terror which 
I now find, when I think upon God and am troubled, f 1 ) 

" Q Lord, my flefbtrembleth for fear of thee, and I 
am afraid cf thy judgments \C°) lam afraid, left even 
now, that I nave begun to think of religion^ thou, 
fhouldftcufc ms off in this critical and important mo- 
ment, before my thoughts grow to any ripenefs ; and 
blafl in eternal death, the firft buddings and openings 
of it in my mind. But O fpare me r I earnestly in- 
treat thee \ rbr thy mercies fake fpare me a little 
longer ! It may be,, through thy grace, I fhall return*. 
It may be, if thou conrinuefl: thy patience towards me 
a while longer, there may be fame better fruit produ- 
ced by this cumberer of the ground, ( n ) And may the 
remembrance of that long forbearance which thou haft- 
already exercifed towards me, prevent my continuing 
to trifle with thee, and with my own foul ? From this; 
day,. O Lord, from this hour, from this moment, may 
I be able to date more lafiing impreflions of religion 
than have ever yet been made upon my heart, by all 
that I have ever read, or all that I have heard I • 
<dmen;> 

£c) D«ut;. vi. 7* (0 P^lm Ixxvil. $, (m) Pfrlm cxix, 5$?» 
4») Luke xiii. 7> 8. 



46 Rife, progrefs of Relight in the Sou!.. 

CHAP. IV. 

The Sinner arraigned and conviBed, 

ConvieYion of guilt nec'cflary. § I. A charge of rebellion agalnft God 
advanced. § % Where it is fhewn, (i ) That all men are born under 
God's law. § 3. (%.) That no man hath" perfectly kept it. § 4. An ap„ 
peal to the reader's confidence on this head, that he. hath not. § 5> (3.) 
That to have broken it, is an ovil inexprejftbly great § 6. Illuftrated by a 
more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, anting, (1.) From 
knowledge. § 7, (a) From divine favors received. § 8. (3 ) From convic- 
tions of cGnfcience overborne. § 9. (4.) From rheftriviogs of God's Spwit 
refifted. § 10, (5.) From vows and resolutions broken. § 11. The charge 
fummed up, and left upon th^ dinner's co.nicjence. §12. The linnet's con- 
fefiion under a geneialconviftion of guilt. 

, j l ' JljLS I am attempting to bad you to true re- 
ligion, and not merely to fome fuperficjal form of it, , 
I am fenfible I can do it no ether-wife than inthe way 
of deep humiliation. And therefore, fuppofing you . 
are perfuaded, through the divine bl fling on what yoix 
have before read, to take it into consideration, 1 would 
now endeavor in thefirft place, with all the ferloufnefs 
I can, to make you heartily feniible of your guilt before 
God. For I well know, that unlefs you are convin- - 
ced of this, and affe£bd with the conviction, all the 
provifions of gofpel grace will be flighted, and your foul 
infallibly deftroyed in the niidft of the noblefk means 
appointed for its recovery. I am fuHy perfuaded, that. 
thoufands live and dis in a courfe of fra, without feel* 
ing upon their hearts any fenfe that they are finners ; 
though they cannot, for {name, but own it in words- 
And therefore let me deal faithfully with you, though 
I may feem to deal roughly ; for complaifance is not 
to give law to addrelies, in which the life of your foul 
is concerned. 

§ 2. Permit me. therefore, O firmer, to ccnfider 
myfelf at this time, as an advocate frr God, as one 
employed in his name to plead againft thee, and to. 
charge thee with nothing lefs, than being a rebel and 
a traitor agaioft. the Sovereign majeity of heaven and 
earth. However thou mayeft be dignified or diiiin* 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sold. qf 

guiflied among men ; if the nobleft blood ran in thy 
veins ; if thy feat were among princes, and thine arm 
•were the terror of the mighty, in the land of the living : ( a ) it 
would be ne:eifary thou fliouldft be told, and told 
plainly, thou haft broken the law of the king of kings, 
and by the breach of it art become obnoxious to his 
.righteous condemnation. 

§ 3. Your confidence tells you that you were 
born the natural fubjecl to God ; born under the in- 
•difpenfibb obligations of his law. For it is moil ap- 
parent, that the conftitution of our rational nature, 
-which makes you capable of receiving law from God, 
binds you to obey it. And it is equally evident and 
-certain, that you have not exactly obeyed this law ; 
nay, that you have violated it in many aggravated in- 
.ftaaces. 

4 4. Will you dare to deny this ? Will you dare 
to aflert ycur innocence? Remember, it muft be 
a complete innocence: Yes, and a perfect righte- 
oufnefs too, or it can ftand you in no ftead, further 
than to prove that, though a condemned firmer, you 
are not quite fo criminal as foine others, and will not 
have quite fo hot a place in hell as they. And when 
this is confiiered, will you plead not guilty to the 
charge ? Search the records, of your own confidence, 
for Godfearches them. Aik it feriouily; "have you 
never in your life finned againft God? r5 Solomon Je« 
clared, that in his day, there was not a jufl man upon, 
earth, that did good, and fumed not ; ( b ) And the \p?'tle 
Paul, that all had finned, and conic fhort of the ghry of God ; 
( c ) that both Jews and Gentiles, (which y*u know 
comprehended the whole human race) were all under 
fm. ( d ) And can you pretend any imaginable reafoo, 
to believe the world is grown fo much better fmce 
their days, that any mould now plead their own cafe 
as an exception ? Or will you, however, prefume to 

(a) Ez;fe, jHuii. If* (h) Eccl, vii, W, (c) Rom in. 33% (d) g.om. iii. $) 



4$ Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Souh 

arife in the facs of the onmifcient majefty of heaven, 
aud fay, lam the man? 

| 5. Supposing, as before, you have been free 
from thofe grofs a&s of immorality which are ib per- 
nicious to fociety, that they have generally been pun- 
ifhable by human laws ; can you pretend, that you 
have not in lmalier inftances, violated the rules of pie- 
ty, of temperance, and of charity ? Is there any one 
perfon who has intimately known you, that wouM 
not be able to teftify you had faid or done fomething 
amifs ■? Or if others could not convict you, would not 
your own heart do Itl Does it not prove you guilty 
of pride, of palHon, of fenfuality ; of an exceffive 
fondnefs for the world and its enjoyments; of mourn- 
ing, or at leaft of iecretly repining againft God, under 
the ftrokes of his afflictive Providence ; of mifpend- 
ing a great ded of your time ; of abufmg the gifts 
of God's bounty to vain, if not (in forne inftances) to 
pernicious purpofes ; of mocking him, when you have 
pretended to engage in his wor{hip,drawing near to Mm ■ 
with your mouth and your lips 9 while your heart has bQQlifar 
from him ? ( e ) Does not confcience condemn you of 
ibme one breach of the law at leafl ? And by one 
breach of it, you are in a fenfe, a fcriptural fenfe, he* 
come guilty of all ; ( f ) and are as incapable of being juf- 
tined before God by any obedience of your own, as 
if you had committed ten thoufand offences. But, in 
reality, there are ten thoufand, and more, chargeable 
to your account. When you come to reflect on all 
your fins of negligence, as well as on thofe of commif- 
iion.; on all the iiiftances in which you have failed to 
do good, -when it -was in the power of your hand to do it ; ( s ) 
on all the infhnces, in which a&s of devotion have 
been omitted, efpecially in fecret ; and on all thofe ca- 
fes in which you have fhewn a ftupid difregard to the 
honor of God, and to the temporal and eternal hap« 

£e) Ifci. xilx, 13. (0 J«n. «• 10. (£ Pr«Y» $1 *7*. 



Rife^progrefs of Religion in. the Soul. -4$ 

pinefs of your fellow creatures : When all thefe, I 
fay, are reviewed, the number will fwell beyond all 
pofhbility of account, and force you to cry out, mine 
iniquities are mere than tl)e hairs of my head, ( h ) They wilt 
appear in fuch a light before you, that your own 
heart will charge you with countlefs multitudes ; and 
how much more then that God, who is greater thatt 
your heart, and knoweth all things / (') 

§ 6. And fay iinner, is it a little thing that yoia 
have prefumed to fet light by the authority of "the 
God of heaven, and to violate his law, if it had been 
by mere carelefsneTs and inattention ? How much more 
heinous therefore is the guilt, when in fo many inftan- 
ces you have done it knowingly and wilfully ? Give 
me leave ferioufly to aik you, and kt me in treat you 
to aik your own foul, againft whom haft thou magnified 
thy/elf ? Againft whom haft thou exalted thy voice , ( k ) or 
lifted up Thy rebellious hand ? On whofe law, O iin- 
ner, halt thou prefumed to trample? And whofe 
friendfhip and whofe enmity haft thou thereby dread 
to affront ? Is it a man like thyfelf, that thou haft 
infulted ? Is it only a temporal monarch ? Only one 
who can kill thy body, and then hath no more that he can do ? 
( l ) Nay, Iinner, thou wouldft not have dared to treat 
a temporal prince as thou h?ft treated the king eter- 
nal, immortal, and iuvifible. ( m ) No price could have 
hired thee to deal by the majefty of an earthly fove- 
reign, as thou haft dealt by that Gcd, before whom 
the cherubim and feraphim ?re continually bowing. — 
Not one opposing or complaining, difputing or mur- 
muring word is heard among all the celeftial legions, 
when the intimations of his will are publifhed to them. 
And who art thou, O wretched man ; who art thou, 
that thou fhculdft oppofe him ? That thou fhouldft 
oppofe and provoke a God of infinite power and ter- 
ror, who needs but exert one fingle z£t of his fove- 

(h) pfalin xl. 12. (I) 1 John \u io. (k) 2 Kings xIxt-42* 
(0 Luke xii. 4- (m) i Tim. i. 17. 

(V) 



5«e Rife, progrefs of ReFtgion in the ScuL 

reign will, and thou art in a moment ftripped of every 
poffeflion ; cut ofF from every hope ; deftrcyed and 
rooted up from exiftence, if that were his pleafure ; 
or, what is inconceivably worfe, configned over to the 
fevereft and moft lafting agonies ? Yet this is the God 
whom thou haft offended ; whom thou haft affronted 
to his face, prefuming to violate his exprefs laws in 
his Very prefence ; this is the God before whom thou 
ftandeft as a convicted criminal ; convinced, not of 
one or two -particular offences, but of thcufhnds and 
ten thoufands ; of a courfe and feries of rebellions 
and provocations, in which thou haft perfifted more 
or lefs ever fmce thou waft born ; and the particulars 
of which have been attended with almcft every con- 
ceivable circumftanee of aggravation. Reflect on par- 
ticulars, and deny the charge if you can. 

§7. If knowledge be an aggravation of guilt, thy 
guilt, O finner, is greatly aggravated ! For thou waft 
born in Emmanuel's land, and God hath -written to 
thee the great things ef 'his law , yet thou haft accounted them 
as ajlraage thing, ( n ) Thou haft haft known to do good^ and 
haft^ not done it ; (°) and therefore to thee, the omiffion 
of it has been fin indeed. Haft thou not known f Haft 
thou not heard ? ( p ) Waft thou not early taught the will 
of God in thine infant years? Haft thou not fmce receiv- 
ed repeated leffons, by which it has been inculcated 
again and again, in public and in private, by preach- 
ing and reading the word of God ? Nay, hath not 
thy duty been in fome inftances, fo plain, that even 
without any inftru&ion at all, thine own reafon might 
ealily have inferred it ? And haft thou not alfo been 
warned of the confequences of difobedience ? Haft 
thou not known- the righteous judgments of God, .that they 
who commit fuch things are worthy cf death? ( q ) Yet thou 
haft perhaps not only done the fame, biv: haft taken 
pleafure in thofe that do them ; haft chofen them for 
thy moft intimate friends and companions; fo as 

£n) Hof. Tiiu >*. (0) Jam. iv, 17, (p) ifai. xl. i8. (q) Rom xxKii. 2y 



Rife.; progrefs of Religion in the SoiiL jjk 

thereby to ftrengthen, by the force of example and 
converfe, the hands of -each other in your iniquities. 

§ 8. Nay more, if divine love and mercy be any 
aggravation of the fins committed againft it, thy 
crimes, O {inner, are heinously aggravated. Mnft 
thou not acknowledge it, O Toolilh creature and un- 
wife ? Haft thou not been nourifhed and brought up by 
him as his child, and yet haft rebelled againft him? ( r ) .Did 
not God take you out of the- ivomb ? ( f ) Did he not watch 
over yon in your infant days, and guard you from a 
multitude of dangers which the matt careful parent or 
nurfe could not have .obferved or warded oil ? Has he 
not given you your rational powers ? And is it not by 
him you have been favored with every opportunity of 
improving them ?, Has he not every day fupplied 
wants with an unwearied liberality ; and added, with 
refpecl: to many who will read this, the delicacies of 
life, to its neceffary fupports? Has he not heard your cry 
when trouble came upon- you? ( v ) and frequently appeared, 
for your deliverance, when in the diftrefles of your 
nature, you called upon him for help ! Has he 
not refcued you from ruin, when it feemed juft ready 
to fwallow you up ; and healed your difeafes, when 
it feemed to all about you, that the rfidue of your days - 
was cut off in, the midjl? \f) Or if it have not been 
fo, is not tais long continued and uninterrupted health 
which you: have enjoyed for £ ? many years, to be ac- 
knowledged as aa equivalent obligation ? Look round. 
upon all your poiieilions and lay, what one thing 
have you in the world which his gocdnefs did not. 
give you, and which it hath nc*t thus far preferved to 
you? And to all this, the kind notices of his will 
which he hath lent you ; the tender expofrulations 
which he hath ufed with you to bring you to a wifer 
and a better temper ; and the difcoveries and gracious 
invitations of his gofpel, which you have heard, and 
v/hich you have defpifed ; and then fay, whether ycu r 

(0 Ifai. i. a. (s).Pfalmoixit. .9. (v) Jobxxvii, 9. (u^P/alm ciL 24* 



52 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

rebellion has not been aggravated by the vileft ingra- 
titude, and whether that aggravation can be account- 
ed fmall ? 

§ 9. Again, if it be any aggravation of fin to be 
committed againft confcience, thy crimes, O firmer, 
nave been fo aggravated. Confultthe records of it, and 
then diipute the fact if you can, There is fpirit in man, 
and tlie infpiration of the Almighty giveth him widerjlandmg ,- 
( j ) and that underftanding will acl:. and a fecret con- 
viction of being accountable to its Maker and Preferver 
is infeparable from the actings of it. It is eafy to ob- 
ject to human remonftrances, and give things falfe co- 
lorings before men : But the heart often condemns, 
while the tongue excufes. Have you not often found 
it fo ? Has not confcience remonftrated againft your 
pad conduct, and have not thefe remonftrances been 
"irery painful too ? I have been allured by a gentleman 
of undoubted credit, that when he was in the purfuit 
of all the gayeft fenfualities of life, and was reckoned 
one of the happieit of mankind, he has feen a dcg 
come into the room where he was among his merry 
companions, and has groaned inwardly, and fa id, 
" O that I had been that dcg 1" And haft thou, fin- 
ner, felt nothing like this ? Has thy confcience been 
fo itupified, fo feared with a hot iron, ( x ) that he has ne- 
ver cried out of any of the violences wlvch have been 
done it? Has it never warned thee of the fatal 
confequences of what thou haft done in oppofition 
f o it ? Thefe warnings are, in effect, the voice of 
God ; they are the admonitions which he gave thee 
by his vicegerent in thy breaft. And when his fen- 
tence for thy evil works is executed upon thee in ever- 
lafting death, thou fhalt hear that voice fpeaking to 
thee again, in a louder tone and a feverer accent 
than before ; and thou fhalt be tormented with its 
upbraidings through eternity becaufe thou wouldftnot 
in time hearken to its admonitions. 

Q) Job xxxii. 8. (x) I Tim. iv. ». 



Rlfry progrefs cf Religion in the Soul* 53 

§ 10. Let me add further, if it be any aggrava- 
tion, that fin has been committed after God has been 
moving by his Spirit on the mind, furely your fin has 
been attended with that aggravation too. Under the 
Mofoic difpenfation, dark and imperfect as it was, the 
Spirit ftrove with the Jews ; elfe Stephen could not 
have charged it upon them, that through all their ge- 
nerations they had always rejifted.( v y Now furely we 
may much more reafonably apprehend that he ftrives 
with fmners under the gofpel, and have you never 
experienced any thing of this kind, even when there 
has been no external circumflance to awaken you* nor 
any pious teacher near you ? Have you never per- 
ceived fome fecret impulfe upon your mind, leading 
you to think of religion,,- urging you to an immediate 
confideration of it, fweefly inviting you 10 make trial 
of it, and warning you that you would lament this 
ftupid neglect ? O fioner, why were not thefe happy 
motions attended to? Why did you not 5 as it wcre 3 
fpread out all the fails of your foul to catch that heav- 
enly, that favorable breeze ? But you have carelefsly 
neglected it : You have overborne thefe kind influen- 
ces : How reafonably then might the fentence have 
gone forth in righteous difpleaiure— -My Spirit Jhall no 
more ft rive P { z ) And indeed who can fay that it is 
not already gone forth ? If you feel no fecret agitation 
of mind, no remorfe, no awakening, while you read 
fuch a remonflrance as this, there will be room, great 
room to fufpect it. 

§ 11. There is indeed one aggravation more 
which may not attend your gult ; I mean mat of be- 
ing committed againftTolemn covenant engagements \ 
a circumfrance which has lain heavy on the confcien- 
ces of many, who perhaps in the main fcrres of their 
lives, have ferved God with great integrity. But let 
me call you to think, to whai. is tfils owing ? Is it not 
that you have nev r perfbnz!Iy made any folema pro- » 

(y) A&s vii. jr. (a) Gcn» Vi, 3» 

(V 2) 



54 Rfciprogrefs of Religion in the Sold. 

feffion of devoting yourfelf to God at all ? Have m* 
ver done any thing, which has appeared to your own 
apprehenfion an action, by which you made a coven- 
ant with him ; though you have heard fo much of his 
covenant, though you have been fo fbiemnly and fo 
tenderly invited into it ? And in this view how mon- 
ftrous mufb this circumflance appear, which at firit 
was mentioned as fome alleviation of guilt? Yet I 
irmft add, that you are not perhaps, altogether fo free 
from guilt on this head as you may at firft imagire. I 
will not infill on the covenant which your parents 
made in your name, when they devoted you to God 
in baptifm ; though it is really a weighty matter, and 
by calling yourfelf a Chriflian, you have profiled to 
own and avow what they then did. But I would re- 
mind you of what may have been more perfonal and 
exprefs: Has your heart been, even from your youth, 
hardened to fo uncommon a degree, that you have 
-never cried to God in any feafon of danger cr difficul- 
ty ? And did you never mingle vows with thcfe cries ? 
Did you never promife, that if God would hear and 
help you in that hour of extremity, you would forfake 
your fins,, and ferve hira as long as you lived? He- 
heard and helped you, or you had not been reading 
thde lines ; and by fuch deliverances did, as k were, 
bind down vour vows upon you ; and therefore your 
guilt in the violation of them remains before him, 
though you are fiupid enough to forget them. Noth- 
ing is forgotten, nothing is overlooked by him ; and 
the day will come when the record will be laid before 
ycutoo. . . 

$ 12. A-nd now, O finner, think fenoufly with 
thyfelf what defence thou wilt make to all this! Pre- 
pare thine apology ; call thy witneffes ; make thine ap- 
peal from him whom thou hail thus oifended, to iome 
mpericr judge, if fuch there be. Alas, thofe apologies 
:ue fo weak and vain, that one of thy fellow worms 
y/'r c : f : v?ate'ft ?.vA c-rf^v.l Uaern s as.I wiH eiide> 



Rjifei prtgrsfs of Religion in the Soul. 5,5 

vox prefently to fhew thee. But thy foreboding con- 
icience already knows the iffue. Thou art convicted; 
convicted of the moft aggravated offences. Thou haft 
not humbled thine heart? but lifted up thyfelf againft the Lord 
of heaven ; (*) and thy Sentence fhalt come forth from his pre- 
sence* ( b ) Thou haft violated his known law; thou haft 
defpifed and abufed his numberlefs mercies ; thou hail 
affronted confeience his vicegerent in thy foul ; thou 
haft refiftedand grieved the Spirit; thou haft trifled 
with' him in all thy pretended iubmillion ; and in one 
word, and that his QV/n, thou haft done evil things as thou, 
couldft. ( c ) Thoufmds are no doubt already' in hell, 
whole guilt never equalled thine ; and it is aftonifhing 
that God has fpared tjfcee to read this reprelentatioa 
of the cafe, or to make any paufe upon it. O wafte 
not fo precious a moment, but enter as attentively 
and as humbly as thou canft, into thofe reflections 
which fuit a cafe fo lamentable, and fo terrible as 
thine 1 

Jl:e CONFESSION of a Sinner? convinced in general of 
his guilt' 

" O GOD * Thou injured Sovereign, thou all 

penetrating and Almighty judge I. What (hall I fay to 

this charge ! Shall I pretend I am wronged by it, and 

ft/and en the defence in thy prefence? 1 dare not do 

it ; for thou knmueft my foolifhnefs ? arid none of my Jim are 

hid from thee. ( d ) My conference tells me that a denial 

of my crimes would only increafe them, and add new 

fuel to the fire of thy deferved wrath. If I- juftify 

mvftlf? mine own mouth -will condemn me ; if I fay I am per- 

feci? it will alfo prove me perverfe. ( e ) For innumerable evils 

havcconipaffed me about : Mine iniquities, have, taken, holdup* 

en me? fo that I am notable to look up: They are, as I 

have been tol.l in thy name, more than the hairs of my 

head? and therefore my heart fsihth me. ( £ ) I am more guil- 

(*) \>tn. v. 33; 2-3. (b) Pfal, xvii. %. (c) Jer. ill- 5. (d) Pfa!. kix, 5« 
(e) }eo ix. 30, (t) Ffal, xl, is, 



5 6 Rife 3 progrefs of Religion in the Souh 

ty than it is poflible for another to declare or repre- 
fent. My heart fpeaks more than any other accufer. 
And thou, O Lord, art much greater than my heart 9 
and knoweji all things, ( § ) 

" What has my^ life been, but a courfe of rebel- 
lion againfk thee ? It is not this or that particular ac- 
tion alone I have to lament. Nothing has been right 
in its principles, and views, and ends. My whole foul 
has been difordered. Ail my thoughts, my affections 
my defires, my purfuits, have been wretchedly alien- 
ated from thee. I have acted as if I had hated thee, 
who art infinitely the lovel'eft of all beings ; as if I 
had been contriving how I might tempt thee to ths 
uttermcft, and weary out thy patience, marvellous as 
it is. My anions have been evil ; my words yet 
more evil than they ; and O bleffed God, my heart 
how much more corrupt than either ! What an inex- 
haufted fountain of fin has there been in it ? A foun- 
tain of original corruption, which mingled its bitter 
ftreams wuh the days of early childhood ; and which, 
alas, flows on even to this day, beyond what actions 
or words could exprefs. I fee this to have been the 
cafe, with regard to what I can particularly furvey. 
But O how many months and years have I forgotten ? 
Concerning which I only know this in the general, 
that they are much like thofe I can remember, except 
it be, that I have been growing worfe and worfe, and 
provoking thy patience more and more, though every 
new exercife of it was more and more wonderful. 

" And how am I a&onifhed th:t thy forbear- 
ance is ftill co? tinned ! It is becaule thou art God and 
not man* ( h ) Had I a (inful worm been thus injured, I 
could not have endured it. Had I been a prince, J 
had long fince done juf.ice on any rebel whofe crimes 
had borne but a diflant refemblance to mine ; had I 
been a parent, I had long fince caft off the ungrateful 
child, who had made me fuch a return as I have all 

&) x John iii, 20. (h) Kof, x. f . <») Jcr. 151- J, 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 57 

my life long been making to thee, O thou Father of 
my Spirit i The flame of natural affection would have 
been exiinguifhed, and his fight, and his very name 
would have become hateful to me. Why then, O 
Lord, am I not caft out from thy prefence? (') Why am 
I not fealed up under an irreverfible fentence of des- 
truction ? That I live, I owe to thine indulgence. But 
O if there be yet any way of deliverance, if there be 
yet any hope for fo guilty a creature, may it be open, 
ed upon me by thy gofpel and thy grace ! And if any 
farther alarm, humiliation and terror, be necefTary to 
my fecurky and falvation, may I meet them, and bear 
them all ! Wound mine heart, O Lord, fo that thou 
wilt but afterwards heal it ; and break it in pieces^ if 
thou wilt but at length condefcend to bind it up!" 



CHAP. V. 

The Sinner f ripped of his vain Pleas* 

The vanity ofthofe pleas -which finners may fecretly confide in, fo 
apparent, that they will be afhamed at laft to mention them before God. 
§ I, a. Such as (1) That they defcended from pious parents, §3. (a.) 
That they had attended to the fpeculatWe part of religion. § 4. (3 ) That 
they had entertained found notions. §5. (4.) That they had expreffed a 
zealous regard to religion, and attended the outward forms of worihip 
with thofe they apprehended the pureil churches, § 6, 7. (5.) That they 
had been free from grofs immoralities. § 8. (6.) That they did not think 
tfee confequenceof neglecting religion would have been fo fatal. § 9. (7.) 
That they could not do otherwife than they did. § 10, Conclufion, § H. 
With the meditation of a convinced fmner, giviag up his vain pleas before 
God. 



..MS 



_[ Y lafc difcourfe left the finner in a very 
alarming, and a very pitiable circumftance ; a crimi- 
nal convicled at the bar of God, difarmed of all pre- 
tences to psrfe£t innocence and finlefs obedience, and 
consequently obnoxious to the fentence of an holy law, 
which can make no allowance for any transgreilion, 
no not for the le?it ; but pronounces death, and a 
curfe, agaip.it every acl of di ( a edience : How much 
more then againft thofe numberlsfs and aggravated 

(i) Jer. lii. 3. 



5 8 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the ScuL . 

acl-s of rebellion, of which, O firmer, thy confeience 
hath condemned thee before God ? I would hope, 
fome of my readers will ingenuoufty fall under the 
convifHon, and not think of making any apology, for 
fure I am, that humbly to plead guilty at the divine 
bar, is themoft decent, and, all things conudered, the 
moft prudent thing tha f can be done in fuch an un- 
happy circumftance. Yet I know the treachery, and 
the f elf-flattery of a- finful and corrupted heart. I 
know what excufes it makes and how, when it is driv- 
en from one refuge, it flies to another, to fortify it- 
felf againll full conviction, and to perfuade, not mere- 
ly another, but itfelf, "that if it has been in fomein- 
frances to blame,, it is not quite fo criminal as was re- 
prefeated : That there are at leaft: confederations that 
plead in its favor, which, if they cannot juftify, v/iiHn 
fome degree excufe." A fecret refer ve of this kind, 
fometimes perhaps fcarce formed into a diftincl reflec- 
tion, breaks the force of conviction, and 1 cften pre- 
vents that deep humiliation before God, which is the 
happier! token of approaching deliverance. I will 
therefore examine into fome of theie particulars, and 
for that purpofe would fericufly'alk thee, O fmner, 
what thou haft to oiler in arreft of judgment ? What 
plea thou casft urge for thyfelf, why tne fentence of 
God mould not go forth again ft thee, and why thou 
fhouldft not fall into the hands of his jufcice ? 

§ 2. But this I mud premife, that the queflicn is 
not, how thou wouldfi, aniwer to me, a weak finful 
worm like thyfelf, who am Ihortly to ftand wirh thee 
at the fame bar; (The Lord grant that I may find mercy 
of the Lord in that day /JC) But what thou wilt reply to 
thy judge? What couldit thou plead, if thou wait 
now adhrdly before his tribunal ; where to multiply 
vain words, and to frame idle apologies, would be but 
to increafe thy guilt and provocation ? Surely the ve- 
ry thought of his prefence muft fuperfede a thouf and 

(a) a Tim. x,.x8. 



Rife, pregrefs of Religion in the Soul. 5$ 

ef thofe trifling excufes, which now fcmetimes iffipofe 
on a generation that are pure in their own eyes, 
though they are not -wafhed from their filthinefs ; ( b ) or 
while they are confcious of their own impurities, trvfl 
inwords that cannot profit, C') znd'Iean upon broken reeds, ( d ) 

§ .3. You will not, to be fure, in fuch a circum- 
fiance, plead " that you are defcended from pious pa- 
rents." That was indeed your privilege, and woe be 
to you that you have abufed it, and forfaken the God of 
your fathers, ( e ) Ifhmael was immediately defcended 
from Abraham, the friend of God ; and Efau was 
the fon of Ifaac, who was born according to the pro- 
mife ; yet you know they were both cut off from the 
bluffing, to which they apprehended they had a kind 
of hereditary claim. You may remember that our 
Lord does not only fpeak of one who could call Abra- 
ham father, who was tormented in fames,( f ) but exprek- 
ly declares, that many of the children of the kingdom 
{ball be fhut out of it, and when others come 
from the moft difcant parts' to fit down in it, (hall be 
diftinguifhed from their companions in mifery, only 
by louder accents of lamentation, and more furious 
gnafbing of the teeth* ( s ) 

§ 4. Nor will you then prefume to plead, w that 
you have ex^rcifed your thoughts about the fpecula- 
tive parts of religion ;" for to what end can this ferve 
but to increafe your condemnation ? Since you have 
broken God's law, flnce you have contradicted the 
molt obvious and apparent obligations of religion, to 
have inquired into it, and argued upon it, is a circum- 
ftance that proves your guilt more audacious. WhaH 
did you think religion was merely an ex-rcife of men's 
wit, and the amufement of their 'curioiity ? If you ar- 
gued about it on the principles of common fenfe, you 
rauft have judged and proved it to be a practical thing, 
and if it was fo, why did not you praclife according- 

fb) Prov. xxx. 11. (c) Jer. vii. 8. (d) Ifai. xxxvi 6. 

(e) a Chron. ?ii. S3, (f) Luke *vi, 24. (&) Matt. viii. Ii, 12, 



5o Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

ly ? You knew the particular branches of it, why 
then did you not attend to every one of them ? To 
have pleaded an unavoidable ignorance, would have 
been tlje happier! plea that could have remaine d for 
you : Nay, an actual, though faulty ignorance, would 
have been fome little alhy of your guilt. But if, by 
your own coufeffion, you have known your mailer's 
will and have not done it, you bear witnefs againft 
yourfelf, that youdeferveto be beaten-withmany Jlripes.( h ) 

§ 5. Nor yet again will it fuffice to fay, " tlr.t 
you have had right notions, both of the dc&rines and 
the precepts of religion." Your advantage for prac- 
tifmg it was therefore the greater : But understand- 
ing and acting right, can never go for the fame thing 
in the judgment of God or of man. In believing 
there is one God, you have clone well ; but the devils 
alfo believe' and tremble. ( l ) In acknowledging Chrift to 
be the Son of God, and the Holy One, you 
have done v/ell too ; but you know the unclean /pi- 
nts made this very orthodox ccnf°fIion, ( k ) and yet 
they are referved in everlajling chains under darknefs 
unto the judgment of the great day. (*) And will you 
place any fecret confidence in that which might be 
pleaded by the infernal fpirits as well as by you ? 

§ 6. But perhaps ycu may think of pleading 
" that you have actually done fomething in religion." 
Having judged what faith was the founder!:, and what 
worfhip t e pureft, you entered ycurfeif into thofe 
focieties where fuch articles of faith were profefTed, and 
fuch forms of worfhip were praclifed ; and among 
thefe you have fignalized yourfelf by the exactnefs of 
y .ur attendance, by the zeal with which you have 
efpoufed their caufe, and by the earned nefs with 
which you have contended for fuch principles and 
practices." O finner, I much fear that this zeal of 
thin' 3 about the circumftantials of religion will fwell 
thine account rather than be allowed in abatement of 

\b) LukexH. 47. (i) James ii. 19. (k) Luke iv. 34. 41. (1) Judc ver. <5. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sou!. 6l 

it. He that fearches thine heart, knows from whence 
it aroie, and how far it extended. Perhaps he fees 'hat 
It was all hypocrify ; an artful veil, under which thou 
waft carrying on thy mean defigns for this world, 
while the (acred names of God and religion were pro- 
faned and proftituted in the bafeft manner ; and if i^o 9 
thou art curfed with a difVmguifhed curfe, for fo dar- 
ing aa infult on the divine omnifcience, as well as juf- 
tice. Or perhaps the earnefmefs with which you have 
been contending for the faith and worfhip which was 
aicc delivered to the faints ,.( m ) cr which it is pofilble you 
may rafnly have concluded to be that, might be mere 
pride and bitternefs of fpirit : And all the zeal you 
have exprefied might poflibly arife from a confidence 
in your own judgment, from am impatience of con tra- 
diction, or from a fecret malignity of fpirit which de- 
lighted itielf in condemning and even in worrying 
others; yea, which (if I may be allowed the expref- 
fioa) fiercely preyed upon religion., as the tyger upon 
the lamb, to turn it into a nature moft contrary to its 
own. And fhall this fcreea you before the great tri- 
bunal ? Shall it not rather awaken the difpleafure it is 
pleaded to avert ? 

§ 7. But fay that this zeal for notions and forms 
has been ever fo well intended, and fo far as it has 
gone, ever Lb.well conducted too ; what will that avail 
towards vindicating thee in fo many infiances of neg- 
ligence and difbbedience as are recorded againft thee 
in the book of God's remembrance? Were the re- 
vealed do&rines of the goipel to be earneftly main- 
tained, (as indeed they ought) and was the great 
practical purpofe for which they were revealed to be 
forgot r Was the very mint asc! anoile and cummin 
to £e tithed, and were the weightier matters of the law to 
he omitted; ( n ) even that love to God, which is itsf?~ft 
and great command ? (°) O how wilt thoubeable to vin- 
dicate even the jufteft lenience thou Raft palled on 

■m) Jude-v<er*. 3, (n) Matt-, xxili. 2"., (&) Matt, xx?i. 38, 

(V.) 



Rife, frogrefs of Religion in the Son!. 

others for their infidelity, or for their difobedience, 
without being condemned out of thine oivn mouth I ( p ) 

§ 8. Will youthen plead "your fair moral cha- 
racter, ycur works ofrighteoufnefs and of mercy?" 
Had your obedience to the law cf God been com- 
plete, the plea might be showed as important and va- 
lid. But I have iuppofed and proved above, that con- 
science tefcifies to the contrary, and you will net now 
dare to coatradift it. I add farther, had tnefe works 
of yours which you now urge, proceeded from a fin- 
cere love to Go;'!, and a genuine faith in the Lord Je- 
fus Ghrifc,ycu would not have thought of pleading 
-them any otherwife than as an evidence of your inter- 
en; in the gofps'i covenant, and in the bleffings cf it, 
; procured. by the righteoufnefs and bioqd of the Re- 
deemer : And that faith, had it been fincere, won!:! 
have been attended with inch deep humility, and with 
fuch folemnapprehenfions of the diviae holinefs and 
glory, that^ inftead of pleading any works of 
your own before God, you would rather have implo- 
red hie pardon for the mixture of fmful imperfection 
attending the very bell of them. Now, as you are a 
granger to this humbling and fanctifying principle, 
(which here in this addreis I fuppofe my reader to be) 
it is abfolutely neceffary you fhould be plainly and 
faithfully told, that neither fobriety nor honefty nor 
humanity will jufdly you before the tribunal of God, 
when he lays judgment to the line, and righteoufnefs to the 
•plummet^ ( q ) and examines all your actions and all your 
thoughts with the ftrictefl fe verity. You have not 
peen a drunkard, an adulterer, or a robber. So far it 
is well. You ftand before a righteous God, who 
will do you ample juftlce, and therefore will not con- 
demn you for drunkennefs, adultery, or robbery — 
But. you hive forgotten Him, your Parent and ycur 
^Benefactor ' YOU have cafi off fear and refrained prayer 
'before Hm ; ycti have defpifed the blood of his Son, 

( P ) Luke xix, 22, (q) Ifai. xxviii. ij. (>) Job xv. 4* 



Ri/d; prcgrefs cf Religion in the SouL 6$ 

and- all the immortal bleilings that he purchafed with 
it. For this therefore you are judged and condemned. 
Af>d as for any thing that has locked like virtue and 
humanity in your temper and conduct., the exercife cf 
it has in 'a great meafure been its own reward, if there 
were any thing more than form and artifice in it ; and 
the various bounties cf divine PiDvicVnce to _ you 
janidfl: all yur numberiefs provocation?, have been 
a thsufond times nacre than an equivalent for inch 
defective and" imperfect, virtues as thefe. You re- 
main therefore chargeable with the guilt of a fhqufabd. 
pfences for which you have no excuie, though there 
are ionie ether iaftances in which you did nor grofsly 
citend. And thole good works in which you have 
been lb ready to.tru'f, will no more vindicate you in 
h : s awful prefence, man a man's kindneis to his poor • 
neighbors would be allowed as a plea in arreft of 
judgment, when he ftocd cpiviftid . of high treaion 
aga.nfl his prince. 

$ 9. But you. will perhaps be ready to lay, "yen 
did not expect all this : ^oudid not: think the conse- 
quences of neglecting religion would have been do fa- 
tal." And why did you not think it ? Why did you 
not examine more attentively and more impartially ? 
Why. did you , fuiFer the pride and folly of your vain 
hear: to take up with fueh iup^rflcial appearances, and 
trufl the light haagefaons of your own prejudiced 
mind agai nil the exprefs declaration of the word ofj 
God? Had you reflected on h ; s characf er, as the fu- 
preme Governor of the world, you would have feen 
the neceiTity of fuch a day of retribution as we are 
now referring to. Had you regarded the Scripture, 
the divine authority of which you profefTed to believe, 
every, page might have taught' you to expect it. " You. 
did not think of religion/' And of what were you 
thinking, when you forgot or neglected it ? Had you 
too much employment of another kind ? Of what 
kind, I befeech you ? What end could you propofe by 



64 R[fe t progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

any thing elk of equal moment ? Nay, with ail your 
engagements, confeieace will tell you that there have 
been ieafons, when for want of thought, time and life 
have been a burden to y :u : Yet you guarded againft 
thought as an enemy, and carl up (as it were) an in- 
trench ment of inconlideration around you on every 
fide, as if it had been to defend you from the molt 
dangerous invafion. God knew you w*re thonght- 
iefs; and therefore he feni you line upon line, and pre- 
cept upon precept^) in inch plain language, that it 
needed no genius or (iudy tc ucderliand it/ He tri- 
ed you too with afflictions as well as with mercies, to 
awaken you out of your fatal lethargy ; and yet 
when awakened, you would lie down again upon the 
bedoflloth. And now, pleafmg as your dreams 
might be, you mufi He do:un infewevr, C) Reflection has 
at lait overtaken ycu, and mtift be heard as a tor- 
mentor, Bnce it might not be heard as a friend. 

§ 10. But ibtne may perhaps imagine that one 
? mportant apology is yet unheard, and that there may 
be room to fay, fci ycu were, by the necel'lity of \ our 
nature, impelled to thofe things which are now charg- 
ed upon yen as crimes ; whereas it was net in your 
power to "have avoided them, in the circurc fiances in 
which you are placed." If this will do any thing, it 
indeed promifes to do much ; fo flinch, that it will 
amount to nothing. If I were difpofed to anfwer you 
upon the folly and madneis of your own principles, I 
might fay, that the fame con (iteration which proves it 
was neceflary for you to offend, proves alio that it is 
neceflary for God to punifn you, and that indeed he 
cannot but do it : And I might fn ther fay, with an 
excellent writer of our own age,*' " that the fame 
principles which deflroy the injustice of fins, deftroy 
the injuftice of punifhments too." But if you cannot 
admit this, if you fhould fill relpy in fpight of princi- 

(') IfYw xxviii. io. (v) Ii'ai. I. U. 
* Bifhop of jJriAors Analogy, &c. page 155, O&avo edition. 



Rife, prcgrefs of Religion in the SmtL ^5 

pie, that it mud be unjuft to punifh vcu for an a&ion 
utterly and absolutely unavoidable; 1 really tfeinfe: 
you would anfwer right. But in that aniwe-r you 
would contradia your own icheme, (as I obierved 
above) and I leave your confeience to judge whaUort 
of a fcherae that mud be, which would make all kinds 
of puniihment unjuft : For tjie argument will en the 
whole be the fame, whether with regard to human 
puniihment or divine. It is a feheme fuS of confu- 
fion and horror. You would not, 1 am fure, take it 
from afervant who had robbed you, and then fired 
your houfe : You would never inwardly believe, that 
he could not have helped it, or think t 1 at he had 
fairly excufed himfelf by fuch a plea. And I am per- 
fuaded ycu would be lb far from prefumfcg to offer 
it to God at the great day, that ycu would net ven- 
ture to turn it inro a prayer even now. Imagine that 
ycu faw a malefactor dying with fuch words as thefe 
in his racuth : " O God, it is true, I did indeed rob 
and murder my fellow creatures, but thou knoweft, 
that as my circumitanees were ordered, I could not do 
ctherwife : My will was irreilftibly determined by the 
motives which thou didfb fet before me, and I could 
as well h ..ve^ fnaken the foundations of the earth, or 
darken the fun in the firmament, as have refifted the 
impulfe which bore me on, 3 ' I put it to your confei- 
ence, whether you would not look on fuch a fpeech as 
this with deteftation, as one enormity added to an- 
other. Yet if the excufe would have any weight in 
your mouth, it would have equal weight in his ; or 
would be equally applicable to any the mod mocking 
cccafion. But indeed it is fo contrary to the plained 
principles of common reafon, that I can hardly per- 
fuade myfelf any one could ferioufly and thoroughly 
believe it y and mould imagine mv time very illy em- 
ployed here, if I were to fet myfelf to combat thefr 
pretences to argument, by which the wantonnefs of 
human wit has attempted to varaifh it over, 
(VI %) 



■% Rif;, prbghfs cf Religion in the Soldi 

J ii. You fee then on the whole, the vanity o? 
all ycur pleas, and how eafily the molt plauiible or 
them might be filmced by a mort 1 man hke yourfeif - y 
how much more then by him who fearches all hearts, 
and can in a moment, ffrfh in upon the confidence a 
inoft powerful and irrefiftible conviction ? What tlen 
cm you do, white you ftand convicted in tht prefence 
of God ?-" Wh:t mould you do, but "hold ycur peace, 
cnder an inward fenfe of your inexcufiable guilt, aad 
prepare yourfelf to hear t«ie fenteoce which his law 
pronounces ag -'-in fit you? You mufkfeel the execu ion 
cf it, if the gofcel dees not at length deliver yew; and 
you mufc feel fomethiri'g of the terror of it, before^ 
you can be excited to feek to that gofp^l for deliver- 
ance. 

The Meditation of a Convinced Sinner, giving up 
his vain Pleas before Gxl. 

" DEPLORABLE condition to which I am in- 
deed reduced ! I have finned, and whaifhaU IJky unto 
thee, O thou Preserver of men P ( } ) What (hall I dare to 
fay ? Foohhat I was, to amufe ir.yfelf \vith : fuch tri- 
lling excuiesas thefe, and to imagine they could have' 
any weight in thy tremendous prefence; or that I 
:(hould be able fo much as to mention them there ! I 
•cannot prefume to doit, I am filer, t and confounded, 
!My hopes, alas, are flaiu ! And my foul itfelf is read)? 
So 'die too; fo far as an immortal foul can die j and 
I am almcft ready to fay, O that it could die entirely ! 
I am indeed a criminal in the hand of juftice, quite 
di&rmed, and {tripped ef the weapons in which I 
shifted. Diflimulation can only add provocation to 
orovoeation. I will therefore plainly and freely own 
ft. I have acted as '-if I thought God was altogether 
fuchaone as rayfelf : Bathe haihfud, I will reprove 
thee : Iwill fit ih? fins in order before thine eyes 9 ( x ) will 
suarlhal them in battle array. And O, what a terri- 
(j) job ya. ao. (x) Pftiffl 1' **• 



Rifc 9 pregrcfs of Religion in theSouh 6f 

Me kind of hoft do they appear ? And how do they 
furround me beyond all poilibility ofefcap?! O my 
foul, they have as it were, taken thee -prifoner, and 
they are bearing thee away to the divine tribunal. 

" Thou muTi appear before it ! Thou muft fee 
the awful, -eternal Judge, who tries the very reins ; ( Y ) 
and who needs no other evidence, for he has hlmfelf 
been witnefs{ z ) to all thy rebellion, thou muft feehint 
O my foul, fitting in judgment upon thee ; and when 
he isjiritl to mark iniquity, ( a ) how wilt thou anfiver him 
for one of a thoufandj ( b ) And if thon canft not anfwer 
him, in what language will he fpeak to thee ! Lord, . 
as things at prefent iiand, I can expect no other lan- 
guage taan that of condemnation. And what a con- 
demnation is it ! Let me reflect, upon it I Let me read 
my fen ten ce, before I hear it finally and irreverfibly 
paiTed! I know he has recorded it in his word; and 
I -know in the general, that the representation is made 
with, a gracious defign. I know that he would have 
us alarmed, that we may not be destroyed. Speak to 
me therefore, O God, while thou fpeakeft not for the 
laft time, and in circumftances when thou wilt hear 
me no mere; Speak in the language of eif e&u^.l ter* 
ror, fo that it be not to fpeak to me in final defpair. 
And let thy word, however painful in its operation, 
be quick and powerful, and Jharper than any two edged 
fivord. ( c ) Let me not vainly flatter myfelf : Let me not 
be left a wretched prey to thofe who would prophecy 
finosth things to me, ( d ) till I am fealed up under wrath, 
and feci ihy juftice piercing my foul, and- the pdfin of 
thine arrows drinking up all myfpirits. ( e ) 

"Before I enter upon the particular view, I know 
in the general, that it is a> terrible thing to fall into the hands 
ofihe living God.( f ) O thou living God, in one fenfe I 
am already fallen into thine- hands. I am become 

(y) Jer. xvli. 10. (z) Jer. xxix. 23. (a) Pfahn cxxx. 3, 
^b) Job ix, 3. (c) Keb. iv. ia. (d) liai. xxx, io, ( e ) Jcb yj, 4. 



68 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sou!. 

obnoxious to thy difpleafure. juftly obnoxious to it ; 
and whatever thv fertence may be, when it comes forth 
from tby prefence, ( s ) I muft condemn myielf andjuftify 
thee. Thcu carat not treat me with mere feverity 
th~n mine iniquities rave deferved ; and how bi'ter 
foever that cap. of trembling may be ( h ) which thou fhalt 
appoint, for me, I give judgment agaM nryfelf, that . 
I deferve U wring; out the very dregs of it." (') 



**&&= 



CHAP. VI. 

The Sinner Sentenced. 

The finner called upon to hear his fentence. § I, 2. God's law does 
now in general pronounce a curfe. § 3. It pronounces death. § 4. and be- 
ing turned into hell. § $. The judgment day fh'all come. § 6. The folem- 
nity of that grand procefs described, according to fcripturaJ reprefentations 
of it. § ? 8. With a particular illuftration of the fentence, depart ac= 
curse", Sec § 9 The execution will certainly and immediately follow. 
§ 10. The finner warned to prepare for enduring it. § II. The reflection 
of a finner ftruck with the terror of this fentence. 



§ 1. ITI-EAR, O finner, and I -will fpeak ( a ) yet 
once more, as in the came of God, of Gcd thine Al- 
mighty Judge i- whoy. if thou doft not attend to his 
fervants, will ere long fpeak unto thee in a more im- 
mediate manner, with an energy and terror which 
thou (halt not be able to refift. 

§ 2. Thcu haft been convicted as in his prefence. 
Thy pleas have been over-ruled, or rather they have 
been hlenced. It appears before God, it appears to 
thine own confeience, that thou haft nothing more to 
offer in arreffc of judgment ; therefore hear thy fen- 
tence, and fummon up if thou ca-ift, all the powers of 
thy foul to bear the execution of it. It is indeed a ve- 
ry fmall thing to be judged by man's judgment ; but 
he that novrjudgetk thee is the Lord. ( b ) Hear therefore 
and tremble, wnile I tell thee how he will fpeak to 

k) Pftla xvii. a, (h) Ifai. li. 17. (i) P&lro ixxv, 8. (a) Job alii, 4, 
(b) 1 Cor. i v . 3, 4, 



Rife, progrefs of Religion m the SouL 6q 

thee, or rather, while I mew thee from exprefs fcrip^ 
ture, how he doth even now {peak, and what is the 
authentic and recorded fentence of his word, even of 
his word who hath laid, heaven and earth Jhall pafs away r 
but not one tittle of my word ' fhall ever pafs away.( & ) 

§ 3, The law cf God ■ f peaks not to thee alone, O 
(Inner, nor to thee by any particular addrefs, but in a 
moft univerfal language it [peaks to all tranfgreffors, 
and levels its terrors againit all oilences great or fmall 
without any exception, and this is its language : Curfi 
ed is every one if at continue th not in all things which am 
written in the hook of the law to do them, ( d ) This is its 
voice to the whole world, and tois it (peaks to thee. 
Its awful contents are thy perioral concern, O reader, 
and thy conscience knows it. Far from continuing fir 
all things that are written therein to do them, thou 
canft not but be fenflble that innumerable evils have com- 
piled thee about. ( e ) It is then manirefi: thou art the man 
whom it condemns, thou art eves now curfed with a 
curfe, as God emphatically fpeaks ; ( f ) with the curfe 
of the moft high God : Yea, all the curfes which are 
written in the book of the law are pointed agaiaft thee.( g ) 
God may righteoufly execute any of them upon thee, 
in a moment; and though thou nt prefect feeleft none 
cf them, yet if infinite mercy doth not prevent, ft i& 
but a little while, and they will come into thy bowels 
like water, till thou art burn: afunder with them, am! 
fhall penetrate like oil into thy bones. ( h ) 

§. 4. Thus faith the Lord, the foul that finneth fhaW 
die, C) But thou hajlfmned, and therefore thou art 
under a fentence of death. And O unhappy crea- 
ture, of what a death t What will the end of thefe 
things be ? Thai the agonies of difTolving nature mail 
feize thee ? That thy foul mail be torn away from 
thy languishing body, and thou return to the dufi from, 

(c) Mate v. 18. (d) Gal., iil. 10. (e) Pfalm xl. ik (f) Mai. in. % 
{%) Deati xxis. zo. (b) Pfalm cix. 18. (tyEgek, xviii. 4*. 



jo Rtf e )P ro £ re f s of Keligim in the Soid. 

whence thai waft taken ? ( k ) This, is indeed ore awful 
efte&offin. In thefe affecting char.actei s has God, 
through all nations and all a es of mem, written the 
awful reg ; fter and memorial of his holy abhorrence of 
it, and righteous difpleafure againft it. But alas, all 
this fokmn pomp and horrcr cf dying is but the 
Opening of the dreadful fcene. It is but a rough kind - 
of ftroke, by which the fetters are knocked offi 
when the criminal is led out to torture and execution. 

§. 5. Thus faith the Lord, the wicked fhail be turned 
into hell) even all the nations that forget God. ( : ) Though 
there be -while nations of tr em, their multitudes and 
their power (hall be no defence to t-em. They fhail 
be driven into hell together ; into that faming pnfon^ 
which divine vengeance hath prepared ; into tqpbet 
which is ordained cf dd even for royal ' finners as well as- 
for others, fo little can any human diftinfti.pH protect ! 
He hath made, it deep and large *. the pile i hereof is fire and 
much weed ,° the b/cath of the Lord like aftrea'trwjof brimfione 
Jball kindle it, if) uiid the flaming torrent fhail flow ia 
upon it fb fait, that it fhali be turned into afea of H-. 
quid fire >- or, as the fcrip ure alio express it, a lake 
burning with fire and brimfione for ever and ever, ( n ) Tiiis 
is the fecond death ; and the death to which ihou, O 
iinner, by the word of God art doomed. 

§ 6. And fhail this fentence fland upon record in 
vain ? Shall the law (peak it, and the gofpe-1 fpeak it,, 
and fhail it never be pronounced more audibly? And 
will God never require and execute the puniihrnent ? 
He will, O firmer, require it. and he will execute if,, 
though he m?.y feem for a while to delay. For well 
dotfc thou know 7 that./tf hath appointed a day in which he 
will judge the whole world in rigntcou fnefs, £y that man whom, 
he hath ordained, of which he has given us affurance in hay* 
ing raifed him from the dead. (°) And when God judgeth 
the world, O reader, whoever thou art, he will ju 

(k) Pfalm civ. 29. (i) Pfalm -ix. 17. (rr.) ff?.:. x,~x, ■>;*, 
(a) Rev. xsi. 8, (o) A&s *yii. Jl. 



mj e -> pfogrffs'-cfReligkn in the Soul ^i 

thee. And while I remind thee of it, I would alfo 
remember that he will judge me. And knowing the ter- 
ror of the Lord, ( p ) that 1 may deliver my own foul, ( q ) I 
would with ail ^lainnefs and fmcerky labor to deliver 
thine. 

§7.1 therefore repeat the folemn warning : Thou 
O ' (inner, (halt Jland before the judgment* feat cf Chrifi. ( r ) 
Thou (halt fee that pompous appearance, the deicrip- 
tion of which is grown fo familiar to thee that the 
repetition of it makes no imprefFion on thy mini. But 
furely, ftupid as thou now art, the (brill trumpet of 
the arch-angel (hall (hake thy very foul: And if no- 
thing elfe can awaken and alarm thee, the convulfions 
and flames of a diffolving world fhall do it. 

S S. Do:i thou really think that the intent of 
•Chriit's Una! appearance is only to recover his people 
from the grave, and to raife them to glory and happi- 
nets ? Whatever ailarance thou hail that there mall 
be a refurreciion of the juft, thou haft the fame, that 
there (hall alfo be a refurretlion of the mijiift j ( f ) that he 
fhall feparate the rifmg dead one from another, as a 
Jhepherd divideth his frSeep from the goats, (c) with equal 
'ceitainty and with infinitely greater eafe. Or can 
you imagine that he will only make an example of 
tome flagrant and notorious fmners, when it is faid, 
-that all the dead, both finall and great ftizM Jland before 
-God; C) and that even he who knew not his maker's 
-will, and confequently feems of all others to have had 
the faired excuie for his omiflion to obey it, yet even 
hi for that very omiffion fhall be beaten, though with 
fewer Jlripes : ( w ) Or can you think, that a fentence 
■to t)e delivered with To much pomp and majefty, a 
fentence, by which the righteous judgment or God is 
to be revealed, and to have its mod: confpicuous and 
final triumph, will be inconnderable, or the punifh- 
ment to which it (hall confign the Tinner be flight cr 

(d) 3 Cor. v. ri. (q) Ezek. xxxiii. 9. (r) 2 Cor. v. rd. 
£0 A£s *x;v. if. (t) Matt. xxv. 31. (v) Rev. xx. 12. (w) Lukexii. 48, 



72 R$3 prd&rtf 5 of Religion in the Soul. 

tolerable ? There would "have been little reafon to ap- 
prehend that, even if we had been left barely to our 
O'.-.n conjectures what that fatence ihould be. Bat 
this is far from "being the cafe: Our Lord Jefus 
Chrift, in his infinite condefcenfion and companion, 
has been pleafed to give us a copy cf the fentence, 
and.no doubt a moil exact copy; and the words 
which contain it are worthy of being infcribed on eve- 
ry heart. The king, amidft all the fplendor and dig- 
nity in which he (hall then appear, "(hall fay unto 
thofe on his right hand, come ye blefTed of my father, 
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foun- 
dation of the world I 9 * ( j ) And cs where the word cf 
a king is, there is power" indeed. ( y ) And thefe 
words have a power which may juftly animate the 
heart of the humble Chriftian under the mo!i over- 
whelming forrow, and may fill him with " joy un- 
fpeakable and full of glory." 5 ' ( z ) To be pronounced 
the blefTed of the Lord ! To be called to a kingdom ! 
I o the immediate and everlafting inheritance of it, 
and of fuch a kingdom, fo well prepared, fo glori- 
ous, 10 complete, fo exquifiteiy fitted for the delight 
and entertainment of fuch creatures, fo formed and 
fo renewed, that it fhall appear worthy the eternal 
counfeis of God to have contrived it, worthy his eter- 
nal love to have prepared it, and to have delighted it- 
feif with trie views of bellowing it upon his people : 
Behold, a blefTed hope indeed, a lively glorious hope, 
to which we are " begotten again by the refurreftion 
of Chrift from the dead,*' C) and formed by the fanc- 
tifying influence Q^ the Spirit of God upon our minds. 
But it is a hope, from which thou O ilnner, art at 
prefent excluded, and methinks that might be griev- 
ous: To reflect, " thefe gracious worHs (hall Chrift 
fpeak to Tome, to multitudes, but not to me : On me 
there is no blefledneis pronounced : For me there is 
no kingdom prepared/' ' But is that all ? Alas (inner, 

(j) Matt, xxv. 34. (y) Ecclef. viii. 4. (*) i Pet. 5. 8. ($ t Pet. u > 



Ri/sy progrcfs of Religion m the Sou'L •' 7^ 

our Lord hath eivea thee a dreadful counterpart to 
this. He has told us whit he will lay to thee if thou 
contiaueft what thou art ; to thee and all the nations 
of the impenitent and unbelieving world be they ever 
fo numerous, be the rank of particular criminals ever 
fo great. He fhall fay it to the kings of the earth who 
have been rebels againft him, to "the great and rich 
men, aad the chief captains, and the mighty men, as 
well as to every bondman and every freeman" of in- 
ferior rank, ( b ) DEPART FROM ME ACCURSED, IN- 
TO EVERLASTING FIRE, PREPARED FOR THE DE« 

vil and his angels. ( c ) O paufe upon thefe weigh- 
ty word? .that thou mayeft enter into fomething of 
the importance of them ! 

§ 9. He will fay dtp-art ; you fhall be driven 
from his preience with difgrace and infamy ; from 
Him, the fource of life and bleffedneis, in a 
nearneis to* whom all the inhabitants of heaven contin- 
ually rejoice : You fnall depart accurfed, you nave 
broken God's law, and its curfe falls upon you ; and 
you are and fhall be under that curfe, that abiding 
curfe ; from that day forward you fhall be regarded 
by God and all his creatures as an accurfed and abo- 
minable thing, as the moft deteilable and the men: 
miserable part of the creation. You fhall go into fire f 
And O confider into what fire. Is it merely into one 
fierce blaze which fhall confmne ycu in a moment, 
tjiough with exquifite pain ? That were terrible. But 
O, fuch terrors are not to be named with thefe. Thine 
Unner, is everkjtingfim : It is that which our Lord 
hath in fuch awful terms defcgMd, as prevailing there 
"where their worm dieth nq^'and the fire is not 
quenched;" and then fays it a fecond time, " where 
the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched ;" 
and again in wonderful companion, a third time, 
64 where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not 
quenched/' ( d ) Nor was it originally prepared or prin., 

(b) Rev. vl. 15. (c) Matt, xxv. 41, (d) Marki*. 44,46, 4?. 

(VII) 



f 4 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul- 

cipslly intended for you : It was prepared for the de- 
vil and his angels ; for thofe firit grand rebels who were 
immediately upon their fall doomed to it ; and imce" 
you have taken part with them in their apofbacy, you 
muft fink with them into that flaming ruin ; and link 
fo much the deeper, as you have defpifed a Saviour, 
v/ho was never offered to them. Thefe muft be your 
companions and your tormentors, with whom you 
muft dwell for ever. And is it I that fay this ? Or 
lays not the law and the gofpel the fame ? Does not 
the Lord Jefus Chrift exprefsly fay it, who is M the 
faithful and true witnefs," ( e ) even he, who himfelf is 
to pronounce the fentence ? 

§ io. And when it is thus pronounced, and pro- 
nounced by him, {hall it not alfo be executed ? Who 
could imagine the contrary ? Who could imagine 
there mould be all this pompous declaration to fill tie 
mind only with vain terror, and that this fentence 
fhould vanifh into fmoke ? You may eaiily apprehend 
that this would be a greater reproach to the divine 
adminiuration, than if fentence were never to be pair- 
ed. And therefore we might eafily have inferred the 
execution of it from the procefs of the precedicg juf g- 
ment. But left the treacherous heart of a iinner 
fhould deceive him with fo vain a hope, the anuria; ce 
of that execution is immediately added in very memo- 
rable terms, it fhali be done, it mail immediately be 
done. Then* on that very day, while the found of it 
Is yet in their ears, "the wicked (hall go away 
Into everlafting punimment.' 7 ( f ) And thou, O reader, 
whoever thou art, beir.g found in their number, mail 
go away with them ; malt be driven on among all 
thefe wretched multitudes, and plunged with them in- 
to eternal ruin. The wide gates of hell fhall be cpen- 
..ed to receive thee ; they fhall be fhut againft thee, for 
.ever to enclofe thee ; and be faS: barred by the al- 

(e) Rev. iii. X4. (f) Matt. kxv. 46. 



Rife, progrefs ofReh^: in the So:H ^ 

mighty hand of divine juftice, to prevent all hope, all 
poSlbi'lity of efcape for ever, 

$ii. And now 6i prepare thy felf to meet the 
Lord thy God :" ( g ) Summon up ail the refolution of" 
thy mind to endure fuch a fentence, fuch an execu- 
tion as this : For " he will not meet ihee as a man," 
( h ) whole hi art may fometimes fail him when about tat 
exert a needful act of feverity, fo that companion 
may prevail againfi reafon and jufdee. No, he will 
meet thee as a God, whole fcheraes and purpoies are 
all immoveable as his throne, I therefore teitify to thee 
in his name, this day, that if God be true, he -' ill 
thusfpeak; and that if he be able* he will thus .00 
And, on fnppofition of thy continuance in thine im- 
penitence and unbelief, thou art brought into this mil- 
erable cafe, that if God be not either falfe or wsak, 
thou art undone, thou art eternally undone. 

the Reflection of a Sinner, ftruck with the terror 
of this Sentence » 

« WRETCH that I am, what (hall I do, of whi- 
ther fhali 1 flee ? "I am weighed in the balance, and 
am found wanting," (*) This is indeed my doom ; the 
doom I am to expect from the mouth of Ghrifi him- 
felf ; from the mouth of Him, that died for the re- 
demption and falvation of men. Dreadful fentence ! 
And fa much the more dreadful when considered in 
that view : To what mail 1 look to fave me from it I 
To whom fhali I call ? Shall I fay " to the rocks, fall 
upon me, and to the hills, cover me V* ( k ) What 
mould 1 gain by that ? Were I indeed overwhelmed " 
with rocks and mountains, they could not conceal me 
from the notice of his eye ; and his hand could reach 
me with as much eafe there as any where *Ife. 

" Wretch indeed that I am I O that I had never 
been born ! O that I had never known the dignity 
and prerogative of the rational nature ! Fatal prerog=, 

(g) Avaoi iv. M. (a) Mai, alvii, 3.. (1; Daiu v, 27, (k) Luke xxiii. 30.,- 



'J 6 Rift, prcgrefs of ReHgzcn in the Souh 

alive indeed, that renders me obnoxious to con- 
demnation and wrath ! O that I had never been in- 
fiirncted in the will of God at all, rather than that be- 
ing thus inftnicled, I fho.uld have diiregarded and 
tranfgrelTed it 1 Would to God 1 had been allied to 
the meanefl of the human race, to them that come 
neareft to the ftate of the brutes, rather than that I 
mould have had my lot in cultivated life, amidfc fa 
many of the improvements of reafon, and (dreadful 
reflection !) amidfc fo many of the^advantages of reli- 
gion too ! And thus to have perverted all to my own 
<teftrucYion ! O that God would take away this ra- 
tional foul ! But alas, it will live for ever; will live to 
feel the agonies of eternal death. Why have 1 feen 
ihe beauties and glories of a world like this, to ex- 
change it for that flaming prifon ! Why Have I eafled 
fo many of ray Creator's bounties, to wring out at 
laft the dregs of his wrath ! Why have I known the 
delights of focial life and friendly converfe, to exchange 
them for the horrid company of devils and damned 
fpirits in tophet I O " who can dwell with them in 
devouring flames I who can lie down with iliem in 
everlafling, everlafting, eyerlaffimg burnings. " Q) 

" But whom have I to blame in all this but my. 
felf ? What have I to accufe, but my own ftnpid, in- 
corrigible folly ? On what is all this terrible ruin to 
be charged, but on this one fatal curfed caufe, that 
having broken God's law, I rejected his gofpel too ? 

" "Y et flay, O my foul, in the midit of all thefe 
doleful, foreboding complaints; Can I fay that 1 have 
finally rejected the gcfpel ? Am I not to this day un- 
der the found of it ? The fentence is not yet gone 
forth againfc me in fo determinate a manner as to be 
utterly irreverfibb. Through ail this gloomy prefpect 
one ray of hope breaks in, and it is poilible I may 
yet be delivered. 

" Reviving thought ! Rejoice in it, O my fcul, 

(i)ildi t xxxiii, 14. 



JBjfSr, prsgfef; of Religion m the SguL 77 

though it be with trembling ; and turn immediately 
m that God who, though provoked by ten thoufand 
offences, has not yet fworn in his wrath, ' that thou 
fhalt never be permitted to hold farther intercourfe 
with him, or to " enter into his reft. 55 if) 

M I do then ? O bleiTed Lord, prof Irate myfelf in 
the daft before thee, I own I am a condemned and 
miferable creature. But my language is that of the 
humble Publican, "God be 'merciful unto me a fin- 
ner!"( B ) Some general and confuted apprehenfions I 
have of a way by which I may pofiibiy efcape. O 
God, whatever that way is, fhew it me I befeech 
ihse ! Point it out fo plainly, that I may not be able 
to miftake it \ And O reconcile my heart to it, be it- 
ever fo humbling, be it ever fo painful. 

"Surely, Lord, I have much to learn; but be 
thou my teacher: Stay for a little thine uplifted 
hand ; and in thine infinite compafficn delaV the 
fBsofce-, till I inquire a little farther how I may finally; 
avoid- it ?- 



*£%&= 



CH A P.' VIL 

The helpkfs Jlate af ike Sinner under Condemnation, 

The /inner urged to confider how he can he faved from this impend*, 
fog-ruin. § i, %. (i ) Not by any thing he can offer. §3. (3.) Nor by 
anything he can endu-e. $4- (3) Nor by any thing he can do in ths 
courfe of future duty. §5. (4 ) Nor by any alliansewith fellow- ftnners on 
earth or in hell, § 6—8. (j.)Nor by any interposition or interceiiionof ah- 
geis or faints in his favor. §9 Hint of the only method, to be afterwaids 
more largely explained* Ibid. The Jamentaiion of a fiaoer in this mifers= 
bJe condition, 

y 1. I^INNER, thou had heard the fentence of . 
God, a$>rt ftends upon record in his facred and immu- 
table word. And -wilt thou lie down under it in ever- 
hfting defpair ? Wilt thou make no attempt to be de- 
livered from it, when ifrfpeaks nothing lefs than eteiv 

fm) Pfaiai xcv, si. (n) Luke xviii. 13, 

(VII a).- 



7 3 Rife , progrjs of Religion in the Sou!. 

nal death to frhy foul f If a criminal, condemned by 
human laws, has bat the lead fhadow of hope that he 
may poffibly efcape, he is ail attention to it, If there 
be a friend whom he thinks can help him, whh what 
itrorg importunity does he intreat the interpcfirion o£ 
that friend ? And even wfrle he is before the judge, 
how difficult is it often to force him away from the 
bar, while the cry of mercy, mercy, mercy, may be 
heard, though it be ever lo unfeafpnable ? A mere 
poffibility that it mty make fome impreffion, makes 
him eager in it, and unwilling to be filenced and re- 
moved. 

$ 2. Wilt thou net then, O fmner, ere yet execu- 
tion is done, that execution which may perhaps be 
done this very day, wilt thou not caft about in thy 
thoughts what meafures may be taken for deliver- 
ance ? Yet what meafures can be take**? Cos fider at- 
tentively, for it is an affair of moment. Thy wif- 
dom, thy power, thy eloquence, or thy intereft can 
never be exerted on a greater cccafion. If thou cam* 
help thyfelf, do. If thou haft any fecret fource of re- 
lief, go not out of thyfelf for other afliftance* If thcu 
had any facrifice to offer ; if thou haft any ftrengrh 
to exert ; yea, if thou haft any allies on earth or in 
theinvifible world, who can defend 2nd deliver thee, 
take thine own way, fo that thou may eft but be deliv- 
ered at all, and we may not fee thy ruin, But fay, O 
fmner, in the prefence of God, what facrifice thou 
wiltprefenr, what ftrength thou wilt exert, what allies 
thou wilt have recourfe to on fo urgent ^ fo hcpelefs 
an occafion ? For hopelefs muft I indeed pronounce it 
if fuch methods are taken. 

§3. Thejuftice of God is injured: Haft thou 
any atonement to make to it ? If thou waft brought 
to an inquiry and prcpofal like that of the awakened 
finner, " wherewith fhall I come before the Lord, and 
bow myfelf before the hieh God f Shall I come be- 
fore hifa with burnt-offerings, with calves cf a year 



Ri/fy pcgrefs of Religion in the Sow, 73 

o'd ? Will the Lord be pleafed with thoufands of 
rams, or with ten thoufands of rivers cf oil?"( a ) Alae 3 
wert thou as great a prince as Solomon himfelf, and 
couldft thou indeed purchafe ttich facriaces as thefe, 
there would be no -room to mention them. " Leba- 
non would not be iufficient to burn, nor all the beafts 
thereof for a burnt offering" ( b ) Even under that dif- < 
penfation wi-ich admitted and required facrifices in 
f'ome cafes, the Mood of bulls and goats, though it 
exempted the offender from farther temporal puaifh- 
ment, " could not take away fin, ,? ( c ) ncr prevail by 
any means to purge the confeience in the light of God, 
And that foul thai hath done augjst prefumptuouflyj- 
was not allowed to briag any fin-offering or trefpais- 
offering at all, but was condemned to M die without 
mercy. ,? ( d ) Now, God and thine own- confeience 
know, that thine offences have not been merely the 
errors of ignorance and inadvertency, but that thou 
hall finned with an high hand in repeated aggravated 
inftances, as thou haft acknowledged already.. Snouldft 
thou add, with the wretched {inner deferibed above* 
" fhall I give my firil-bom for my tranfgreflion ; the 
fruit of my body for the fin of my foul i" ( s ) Wfeat 
could the blood of a beloved child do in fuch a cafe 
but dye thy crimes fo much the deeper, and add a 
yet unknown horror to them ? Thou hail offended a 
Being of infinite majefly ; and if that offence is to bo 
expiated by blood, it muft be by another kind of 
blooi, than that which flows in the veins of. thy chil- 
dren or in thine own. 

§4, Wilt thou then fuffer thyfeif, till thou haft- 
made full fatisfa&ion ? But where (hall that fatisfao* 
tion be made ? Shall it be by any calamities to be en«> 
dured in this mortal, momentary life I Is the juftice of 
God then efteemed fo little a thing, that the farrows 
of a few days mould fufrice to anfwer its demands ? 

(a) Mix. vi. 6,. 7. (b) Ifai, xl. i6. (c) Heb,-x. 4. 

(<$ Numb, sv. 30,. (e) Itfic, vi. 7. 



%o Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sold* 

Or doft thou think of future fuft%ings in the invifible' 
■world ? if thou doit, that is not deliveranc? ; an t with 
ieg-,rd to that, I may venture 1 o fay, when thou haft 
made full fatisfaclicn, thou wilt be releafed ; when 
thou haft paid the uttermofi farthing of that debt, thy 
prifon duors fnall be opened. In t e mean time thou 
muft " make thy bed in hell :" ( f ) And O unhappy 
man, wilt thou lie down there with a fecret h pe 
tha f the moment will-come, waen the rigor of divine 
juftice will not be able to kflift any thi>:g more than 
thou haft endured, and when thou mayed claim thy 
difcharge as a matter of right? It would indeed be 
"well for tine if thou couldft carry down with thee 
fuch a hope,falfe and flattering as itis: But alas, thou 
wilt fee thiags in fa jufc a light, that to have no ccm» - 
fort but this, will be eternal defpair. That .one 
word of thy fentence, everUJlingjire ; that one decla- 
ration, " the v/orm -dieth not, and the fire is not 
quenched ;" will be iufficient to fxrike fuch a thought 
kto black confufion, and to overwhelm thee with 
liopflefs agony and horror, . 

$ 5. Or do you think that your ftiture reforma- 
tion, and diligence in duty ft,r the time to come, will 
procure your difcharge from this fentence ? Take 
heed, finner, what kind of obedience thou thinkeft of 
offering to an holy God. Thatmnftbe fpotlefs and 
complete, which his infinite fan&ity can approve and 
accept j if he confider thee in thyfelf alone: There 
Emfi be no icconfhncy, no forgetfulnefs, no mixture 
of fin attending it. And wih thou, enfeebled as thou 
arr, by fo much original corruption, and fo many fin- 
ful habits, contracted by innumerable actual tranf- 
grefnons, undertake to render fuch aa obedience, and 
that for all the remainder -of thy life? In vain wouldft 
thou attempt it even for one day. New guilt would 
immediately plunge thee into new ruin. But if did 
not \ if from this moment to the very end of thy life 

(CPfalai cxxx'ts, $•« 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, fe 

all were as complete obedience as the law of God re- 
quired from Adam in paradife, would that be fuffi- 
cieat to cancel pajl guilt ? Would it difcharge an old 
debt, that thou hadftnet contr2&ed anew one ? Offer 
this to thy neighbor ■, and fee if he will accept it for payment \. 
and if he will not, wilt thou prefume to otter it to thy 
God! 

§ 6. But I will not multiply words on fo plain a 
mbje£L While I fpeak thus, time is palling away,. 
death prefles on, and judgment is approaching. And 
what can fave thee from thefe awful fceiies, or what 
can protect thee in them ? Can the -world fave thee — 
that vain deluiive idol of thy wifnes and purfuits, to 
which thou art facrifkiog thine eternal hopes ? Well 
doft thou know that it will utterly forfake thee whes 
thou needefl itmoft; and that not one of its enjoy* 
ments can be carried along with thee into the inviUble 
ftate : No, not lb much as a trifle to remember it by ; 
if thou couldil defire to remember fo inconflant, and fo 
treacherous a friend as the world has been. 

§ 7. And when you are dead, cr when you are 
dying, can your fmfid companions fave you P Is there any 
one of them, if he were ever fo deiirous of doing it 9 
that " can give unto God a ranfom for you/' (*) to 
deliver you from going clown to the grave, or from 
going down to hell ? Alas, you will probably be fo 
fenfiole of this, that when you tie on the border cf the 
grave, you will He unwilling to fee, or to cenverfe' 
with thole that were once your favorite companion? •. 
They will affiift you rather than relieve you, even 
then : How much Isfs can they relieve you before the 
bar cf God, when they are overwhelmed with their 
own condemnation ? 

§ 8. As for the powers tf darknefs% you are fare 
they will be far from any ability or inclination to help 
you, Satan has been watching arid laboring for your 
deuructions and he will triumph in it. But if i£ere 

%) Platm xiix. 7, 



9z Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul 

could be any thing of an amicable confederacy be* 
tween you, what would that be but an affociation in 
ruin ? For the day cf judgment of ungodly men, will 
alfo be the judgment of thefe rebellious fpirits ; and 
ihejire into which thou, O (inner, mvft depart ^ is that 
which was " prepared for the devil and his angels. ( h ) 
$ 9. Will the celeftial fpirits then fave thee ? Will 
they iuterpofe their power or their prayers in thy fa- 
vor? An interpofition of power, when fentence is 
gone forth againfc thee, were an act of rebellion 
againiL heaven, which thefe holy and excellent crea- 
tures would abhor. And when the final pleafure of 
the Judge is known, itiftead of interceding in vain for 
the wretched criminal, they wculd rather, with ardent 
zeal for the glory of their Lord, and cordial acquief- 
cence in the determination of his wifdem and jurtice, 
prepare to execute it. Yea, difficult as it may at prefect 
be to conceive it, it is a certain truth, that the fervants 
of ChriS:, who now molt tenderly love yon, and moft 
affectionately feek your falvation ; not excepting 
thole who are allied to you in the nearefi: bonds .of 
nature or of friendfhip ; even they ffiall put their 
Amm to it. Now indeed their bowels yearn over you , and 
their eye pouretb out tears on your account : Now they 
expoftulate with yen, and plead with God for you, if 
by any means, while yet there is hope, you may be 
"plucked as the flre-braad out of the burnicg/'f 1 ) But 
alas, their remonftrances you will not regard ; and as 
for their prayers, what mould they aik for you ? 
What but this, that you may fee yourfelf to be un- 
done ; and that, utterly defpairirg of any help from . 
yourfelf, or from any created power, you may lie before 
God in humility and brokennefs of heart ; that fub- 
mitting yourfelf to his rig- teous judgment, and in an 
utter renunciation of all felf- dependence, and of all 
creature-depei-dence, you may lift up an humble look, 

(h) Matt, xxv, 41. fi) Amos iv, «» 



Rift> proofs cf Religion in the Sou** -"Sj 

■towards him as alrnoft from the depths of hell, if per- 
ad venture he may have coiiipafficn upon you, and 
may himfeif direct, you to that only method of refaie 
which, while things continue as in prefent circiisjfcaR- 
ces they are, neither earth, nor hell, nor heaven can 

. afford you. 

2/*?*LamenTATI0N of a firmer in this mifer able condition, 

" O DOLEFUL, uncomfortable, helpJefs ftate ! 
O wretch that I am, to have reduced my feif to it J 
Poor, empty, miferable, abandoned creaiure ! Where 
is my pride, and the haughtinefs of my heart? Where 
are fny idol deities "whom I have loved and ferved, 
after whom I hive walked, and whom I have fought, 
,{ k ) whilft I have been multiplying my tranfgreflions 
againft the Majefty of heaven ? Is there no heart to 
have compaiTion upon me ? Is there no hand to fave 
me ? " Have pity upon me, hav^tpity upon me, O 
my friends, for the hand cf God hath touched me, w (*) 
kath feized me ! I feel it preffing me hard, ' and what 
{hall I do ? Perhaps they have pity upon me, but 
alas, how feeble a companion ! Only if there be any 
•where in the whole compafs of nature any help, tell me 
where it may be found ! O point it cur ; direct, me 
towards it ; or rather, confounded and aftonifned as 
my mind is, take me by the hand and lead me to it i 

" O ye minifters of the Lord, whofe office it is 
to guide and comfort durrefTed fouls, take pity upon 
me ! I fear I am a pattern of many other helplefs 
creatures,^ who have the like need of your affiftance, 
Lay afide your other cares, to care for my foul ; to 
care for this precious fcul of mine, which lies as it 
were bleeding to death, (if that expreflion may be 
ufed) while you perhaps hardly afford me a look ; or 
glancing an eye upon me, " pafs over to the other 
fide," ( ) Yet alas, in a cafe like mine, what can your. 

00 J cr * vui..3. (i) Job xix, 21, (m) Lnks x. 31. 



#4 Rifei P^ogrefs of Religion hi the Sink 

Interpofition avail if it be alone ? " If the Lord do 
not helo me, how can ye \~vAp me ?" O 

" O God of the f'pirits of all 'flefh," (°) I lift 
up mine eyes nnto thee, and " cry unto thee as out of 
the belly of hell." ( p ) I cry unto thee at leait from the 
borders of it. Yet while I lie before thee in this in- 
finite diftre(s, I know that thine almighty power and 
boundlefs grace can iiill find out a way for my reco- 
very- 

" Thou art He 9 whom I have mofi: of all injured 
and affronted ; and yet from thee akm rnuii: 1 cow 
ieek redrefs. " Againfl thee, thee only have I finned, 
and done evil in thy fight ;'*' ( q ) fo that thou mighteli 
be juftified when then fpeakeft, and be clear when 
thou judgeft, though thou fhouldft this moment ad- 
judge me to eternal mifery. And yet I find fomething 
that fecreily draws me to thee, as if I might find refcue 
there, where 1 have deferved the mod aggravated de- 
traction. Bleffed be God, " I have de£royed my- 
feif, but in thee is my help," ( r ) if there can be help 
at all. 

" I know in the general, that " thy ways are not 
as our ways, nor thy thoughts as cur thoughts ; but 
are as high above them, as the heavens are above the 
earth." ( r ) " Have mercy therefore upon me, O God, 
according to thy loving-kindnefs, according to the 
multitude of thy tender mercies I" ( c ) O point out 
the path to " the city of refuge I O lead me thyfelf 
in the way everL#ing" ! ( u ) I know in general, that 
thy gofpel is the only remedy, O teach thy fervants to 
adminifter it ; O prepare mine heart to receive it, and 
fmTer not, as in many infbances, that malignity which 
has fpread itfelf through all my nature, to turn that 
noble medicine into poifon." 

(r) 2 Kings vi. 27, (0) Numb. xvl. 2. (p) Jonah ii. 2. 

(q) Pfaim 15. 4. (r) Hof. xiii. 9. (s)lfai, lv,8,9. 

(0 Pfclm U. I. («) Pfalxa cxxxlx, 24. 



I&S&, p'ogrefs of Relight in the Soul, tg 

1 C H A P. VIII. 

Neivs of Salvation by CHRIST brought iofhe convinced and 

condemned Sinrter. 

The. awful things which have hitherto been faid, intended not to 
grieve, but to help. § I. After iome reflection on the pieafure with which 
a minifter cf the golpel may deliver the Meffage with which he is charged, 
$ 2. and fome reafons for the repetition of what is in fpeculation fo gene- 
rally known, § 3. The author proceeds briefly to declare the fubftance of 
tbci'e glad tiding.s, viz. That God, having in hi? infinite companion, feut 
his Son to die for finoers, is now reconcileable through hirn. § 4 — 6. Sa 
that the moil: heinous tranfgrelfions ihall be entirely pardoned to believers, 
and they nude completely and eternally happy. § 7/8. The fmner's reflec- 
tion on this good news. 

f 1. J\X^ dear reader—It is the great d fign of 
the gofpei, and wherever it is cordially received, it is 
the glorious efiedfc of it to fill the heart witii ientiments 
of love ; to teach us to abhor all undeoefiary rigor and 
feverity, and to delight, not in the grief, but ie the 
happinsisof our fellow creatures, i can hardly ap- 
preLead how he can be a Chrift^n, who takes plea- 
sure in the diftrefs which appears even hi a brute, 
much lefs in tliat of a human mind $ and especially in 
fuch diitrds as the thoughts I have been propofing, 
rnuii give, if tl ere be any due attention to their weight 
and energy. I nave often felt a tender regret while I 
have been reprefentmg thefe things, and I could have 
wifhed from my heart, that it had not been nece&ry 
to hays placed them in fo fevere and fo painful a light. 
But now i am addreiling rnyielf to a part cf my W; rk 
which I undertake wit 1 : unutterable pieafure; and to 
that which indeed i had in view, in all th ie awful 
things which I have already been laying before you. I 
have been (hewing 3 T ou, that if you hitherto have liv- 
ed in a Hate of impenitency and fie, you are condemn- 
ed by God's righteous judgment, and have in your- 
felf no fgpfag of hope, and no peilibiiity cf deliver- 
ance: But i mean not ;o leave you under this iadap- 
preher-fion, to lie down and die in defpair, complain^ 
{VIII} 



%5 Rije, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

ing of that cruel zeal which has " tormented you be* 
fore the tirae." ( a ) 

§ 2. Arife, O thou deje&ed foul, that art proftrate 
in the drift before God, and trembling under the ter- 
rors of his righteous fentence ; for I am commiliioned 
to tell thee, that though "thou haft deftroyed thyfelf, 
in God is thine help." ( b ) I bring thee "good tidings 
of great joy," ( c ) which delight my own heart while I 
proclaim them, and will, 1 hope, reach and revive 
thine ; even the tidings of falvation, by the blood and 
righteoufnefs of the Redeemer. And I give it thee, for 
,fhy greater fecurity, in the words of a gracious and 
forgiving God, that " he is in Chrift, reconciling the 
world unto himielf, and net imnuting to them their 
trefpafles." ( d ) 

§ 3. This is the beft news that ever was heard, 
themoft important meiTage which God ever fent to 
his creatures : And, though I doubt net at all, that 
living as you have done, in a chriftian country, you 
have heard it often, perhaps a thouCand and a thcu- 
fand times ; I will with all fimplicity and plainnefs, 
repeat it to you again, and repeat it as if you had ne- 
ver heard it before. If thou, O fmner, fhouldft now 
for the iirfl time feel it, then will it be as a new go/pel 
unto thee, though fo familiar to thine ear ; nor fhall 
it be grievous for me to fpeak what is fo common, 
<c iince to you it is fafe" and neceilary."( e ) They who 
jare'moft deeply and intimately acquainted with it, in- 
stead of being cloyed and fatiated, will hear it with 
. diftingmfhed pleafure ; and as for thofe who have hi- 
therto flighted it, I am fure they h?.ve need to hear it 
again. Nor is it abiolutely impDflible, that fome one 
-foul at leaft may read thefe ikies, who hath never been 
-clearly and fully inftru&ed in this important doctrine,, 
although hiseverlafting all depends on knowing and re- 
ceiving it. I will therefore take care that fuch a one 

(3) Matt. viii. zg. (b) Hof. xiii. 9. (c) Luke ii. 10. 
{(<j) » Cor, v. 19. (e) Phil. uU u 



Rife, prsgrefi of Religion in tha Sottt 87 

fhall not have it to plead at the bar of God, that, 
though he lived in a christian country, he was never 
plainly and faithfully taught the doclrine of falvation 
by Jems Chrift, " the way, the tru- h, and the life, 
by Whom alone we come unto the Father." ( f ) 

§4. I do therefore teftify unto you this day, that 
the holy and gracious Majefty of heaven and earthy 
fsrefeeing the fatal apofkicy into which the wh?% hu- 
man race would fall, did not determine to deal % a 
way of ftricfc and rigorous feverity with us, fo as to 
corifign us over to univerfal ruin and inevitable darrV 
nation : But en the contrary, he determined to eater 
into a treaty of peace and reconciliation, and to pub- 
liih to ail whom the gofpel mould reach, the exprefs 
offers of life and glory in a certain method, which his 
infinite wifdom judged Mutable to the purity of his na- 
ture and the honor of hjs government. This method 
was indeed a mofl aitonifrimg one, which, familiar as 
it is to our thoughts and our tongues, 1 cannot recol- 
lect and mention without great amazement. He de- 
termined to fend his own Son into the world, "the 
brightnefs of his glory, and the exprefs image of his 
perlbn," (f) partaker of his own divine perfections and 
honors,- to be not merely a teacher ' of righteoufnefs,- 
anl a mefienger of grace, but alfo a facrifice for the 
fins of men ; and would confent to his faving them oa 
no other condition but this, that he fhouid not only" 
labor, but die in the came- 

§ 5. According! y, at fucli ?, period of time as in-* 
finite wifdom faw raoft convenient,- the Lord Jefus 
Chrbt appeared in human fiefh ; and after he hacf 
gone through inceiiant, and long continued fatigues,, 
and borne all the preceding injuries which the ingrati- 
tude and malice of man could inflict, he voluntarily 
"fubmitted "himfelfto death, even the death of th-e 
crofs ;" ( h ) and having been "delivered for our of- 
fences, was raifed again for our j unification." (.*) jkfj- 

(F) John xiv, 6. (g) Keb, i. 3, (h) Phil, ii. 3r (5) Rom. iv.ac, 



$8 Rife, prdgrefs of Religion in the SouL 

ter his re(urre£Hon, he continued long, enough on 
earth to give his followers raoft convincing evidences 
of it, and thea " afcended into heaven in their fight/* 
(•) and fmt down his Spirit from thence upon his apof- 
tles, to enable them, in the molt peribafive and au- 
thoritative manner to "preach the gofpel." (*) And 
he has given it in charge to them, and to thofe who la 
every age fucceed them in this part of their office, 
that it fhouki be publifhed " to every creature \ % * C) 
that all who believe in it may be fav^d by virtue of 
its abiding energy, and the immutable power and, 
grace cf its divine Author, who is " the fame yerter- 
day, to day, and forever." ( n ) 

§ 6. This gofpel do I therefore now presch, and " 
proclaim unto thee, O reader, with thefmcereft de£re, 
that through divine grace, it may " this very day be 
falvation to thy fouL"(°) Know therefore arid ecfifeer 
it, whoioever thou art, that as finely as thefe words 
are now before thine eyes, fo fure it is, that the incar- 
nate Son of God was "made a fpe&acle to the world, 
and to angels' and to men ;'* ( p ) his back tern with 
fcourges, his head with thorns, his limbs ftretched out 
as <m a rack, and nailed to the curfed tree ; and in 
this miferable condition he was hung up by his hands 
and his feet, as an object of public infamy and con- 
tempt. Thus did he die in the midftof all the taunts and 
infults of his cruel enemies who thirfhed for his blood ! 
and, which^was the faddeit circurnftance of all, in the 
iittdft cf theie agonies, with which he clofed the more 
innocent, perfect, and ufeful life that was ever fpent 
upon earth, he had not thofe fupports of the di vine 
prefence, which finfal men have often experienced, 
when they have been differing for the teftimony of 
their confeience. They have oft en burft cut into trans- 
ports of joy aad fo'igs of praife, while their execution- 
ers have been glutting their he llifh malice, and more 

(fc) A&s i. 9 — H. « (0 Luke xx ; v . 40. (m) Mark xvi. 15, 

(n) Heb. xiii. 8, c (°) Luke xix. 9.,. k (p) i Cor. iv. 9« "* 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sou!. g Q 

than favage barbarity, by making their torments arti- 
ficially grievous, but the crucified Jefus cried cut in 
the diftrefs of his fpotlefs and holy foul, "my God,, 
my God, why haft thou forfaken me . ?> ' ( q ) 

§ 7. Look upon our dear Redeemer! Look up 
to this mournful, dreadful, yet in one view, delightful 
fpeclacle; and then alk thine own heart, do I believe 
that Jems fuffered and died thus ? "And why did he 
fuffer and- die . ? Let me -asfwer in God's own words., 
"he was wounded for our tranfgreffions, he was 
bruifed for our iniquities, and the chafnferaent of our 
peace was upon him, that by his firipes we might be " 
healed : It pleafed the Lord to brulfe him, and to put 
him to grief, when he made his foul an offering for 
fm ; fpr the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all.'* 
(r) So that I may addrefs you in the words of the 
apofile, - " be it- known unto you ' therefore, that 
through this man is preached unto you the forgiVe- 
nefs of fins," ( f ) as it was his command, raft after he 
rofe from the dead, that "repentance and remiffion 
of fins mould be preached in his name unto all nations*, 
beginning at Jerufalem;" ( c ) the very place where his 
blood had fo lately t>een fned in fuch a cruel manner- 
I d j therefore teftify to you in the words of another 
infpired writer, thai Chrift was "made Jm$ that is, a (in- 
offering "for us, though he knew no fm, that we may 
be made the right eoufnefs of God in him ;" ( u ) that is, 
that through the righteoufnefs he has' fulfilled and the 
atonement he has made, we might be accepted by 
God as righteous, and be not only pardoned; but re- 
ceived into his favors "To you -is the word cf this 
ialvaticn fent;"( v ) and to you, O reader, are he 
bleiiir-gs of it even now-offered by God, micerely of- 
fered; To that, after all that I have faid under the 
former heads, it is not your having broken the bwof 
God that mall prove your ruin, if you do not alfo re- - 

(q)Matt* xxvii.46. (r) Ifai. liii. 5, 6. 10. M Afts xiiL 5 8i- 
(U "«« XXIV. 47, (u) 2 Cor. v. 2li ,(v) AttS JUH. 20, • 

(Vill 2} 



90 Rife, progrejs cf Religion in the Soul, 

je& his gofpel. It is not all thofe legions of fins which 
rife up in battle array again ft: you, that fhall he able 
to daftroy you if unbelief do not lead them on, and 
final impenitence do not bring up the rear. I know 
that guilt is a timorous thing ; I will therefore f peak 
m the wcrds of God hinafelf ; nor can any be more 
comfortable : " He that believeth on the Son hath 
everlafting life, ( y ) and he (hail never come into con- 
demnation.'\{ z ) There is therefore now no condemnation, 
no kind or degree of it to them 3 to any one of them 
* 4 who are in thrift Jefus, who walk not after the 
Sefh, but after the fpirit." ( a ) You have indeed been 
a very great fmner, and your offences have truly been 
attended with moft heinous aggravations ; neverthe- 
lefs you may rejoice in the affurance, that " where 
fin hath abounded, there fhall grace much more 
abound ;" ( b ) that where Jin hath reigned unto deaths 
where it has its inoft unlimited fway, and moll unre- 
fifted triumph, there " fhall righteoufnefs reign to 
eternal life through Jefus Chrift our Lord." ( c ) That 
righteoufnefs, to which, on believing in him, thou 
wilt be entitled, fhall not only break thofe chains by 
which fin is (as it were) dragging thee at its chariot- 
wheels with a furious pace to eternal ruin ; but it 
ihall clothe thee with the robes of falvaiion, fhall fix 
thee on a throne of glory, where then fhalt live and 
reign forever among the princes of heaven; fhalt 
reign in immortal beauty and joy, without one re- 
maining fear of divine difpleafure upon thee ; without 
any fingle mark, by which it could be known that 
thou hadft ever been obnoxious to wrath and a 
curfe ; except it be an anthem of praife " to the 
Lamb that was flain, and has warned thee from thy 
fms in his own blood." ( d ) 

§ 8. Nor is it neceflary, in order to thy being re- 
leafed from guilt, and intitled to this high and com- 

tv) John ii;. 36, (z) John v. 2,4. (a) Rom- tin. 1. (b) Rom, v, *o. 
(c) Rom. v. sjti (d) Rev. j, 5. 



Rife, prognfs of Religion in the Seui. g% 

plete felicity, that thou fhouldft, before thou wilt 
venture to apply to Jefus, bring any good works of 
thiae own to recommend thee to his acceptance. It is 
indeed true, that if thy faith be fincere,it will certain, 
ly produce them : But I have the authority of the 
word of God to tell thee, that if thou this day fmcere- 
ly believefl in the nam 2 of the Son of God, thou {halt 
this day be taken under his care, and be numbered 
among thofe of kisfbeej> 9 to whom he hath gracioufly 
declared that he will give eternal life, and that " they 
{hail never perifh." ( = ) Thou haft no ;:;.eed therefore tc* 
fay, " Who fho.ll go up into heaven, or who (hall de- 
scend Into the deep for me . ? For the word is nigh 
thee, in thy mouth, and in thine heart.'' ( f ) With this 
joyful meilage I leave thee; with this "faithful faying,, 
indeed worthy of all acceptation/' ( E ) with this gofpel 
O (inner, which is my life, and which, if thou dofc 
not reject it, will be thine too. 

■The Sinner's REFLECTION on this good news. 

" O MY foul, how aftoniftiing is the mefTage 
which thou haft this day; received ! I have indeed of- 
ten heard it before, and it is grown fo common to me ? 
that the furprize is not feniible. But reflect, O my 
foul, what it is thou haft heard ; and fay, whether the 
name of the Saviour, whofe meffage it is, may not well 
be called " wonderful ounfelior," ( h ) when he dis- 
plays before ihetfiwh wonders of love, and propofes to 
theefjch counfels of peace / 

" Blefled Jefus, is it indeed thus ! Is it not the 
fiction of the human mind I Surely it is not. What 
human mind could have invented cr conceived it ? Is 
it a plain, certain fact, that thou didft leave the mag- 
si licence and joy of the heavenly world in coropaffion 
to fuch a wretch as I ? O hadft thou, from that heigh fr 
of dignity and felicity, only looked down upon me for 
a moment, and feat fome gracious word to me for my 

(e) John x, aS. CO Kem* *j 6, 7, 8. (g) 1 Tim. h ij. (b) Ifai. is, fc 



p± Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sou?, 

direction and comfort, even by the leaft of thy fer- 
vants, juftly might I have proftrated myfelf in grateful 
admiration, and have kiiTed "the very fooriieps of 
him that publiihed the falvation." ( T ) But didft thou 
condefcend to be thyfelf the rneiTenger ? What grace 
had that been, though thou hadfc but once in perfoti 
made the declaration, and immediately returned back 
to the throne, from whence divine companion brought 
thee down ! But this is not all the triumph of thine 
illuftrious grace. It not only brought thee down to ■ 
earth,. but kept thee here in a frail acd wretched ta- - 
bernacle for long fuecefiive years : And at length it 
ccft thee thy life, and ftretched the out as a malefac- - 
tor upon the profs-, after thou hadft borne infult and 
cruelty, which it may juftly -wound my heart fo much 
as to think of. And thus, thou haft: atoned injured-', 
juftice, and "redeemed me to God with thine owa - 
blood/ ? f) 

" What fnall I fay? "Lord I believe ; help thcxri 
mine unbelief ! ,, { 1 ) It feems to put faith to theftretch 
to admit, what it indeed exceeds the utmoft ftretch of 
imagination to conceive, , Blefied, forever blefied be 
thy name, O thou Father of mercies, that thou haft 
contrived the way I Eternal thanks to the lamb that 
*wasjlain, and to that kind Providence that fent the 
word of this falvation to me ! O let me not, for ten 
thoufand worlds " receive the grace of God in vain !" 
( m ) G impreis this gofpel upon my foul, till its raving 
virtue be diffufed over every faculty ! Let it not only 
be heard, and acknowledged, and profefFed, but felt : 
Make it ■" thy power to my falvation," ( n ) and raile 
me to that humble, tender gratitude, to that active, 
unwearied zeal in thy fervice, which becomes one to 
^ whom fo much is- forgiven," (°) and forgiven upon 
fuch terms as thefe \ 

" I feel a fudden glow in mine heart, while thefe 

(i) Ifai. Hi. 7- CO Rev. v, 9. (J) Mark ix. 24. 

(m) % Cor. vi» I# (n) Rom* U jtft (0} Luke vii, 4;, 



Rife, frogrefs of ReFigim in the. Souk 93 

tidings are founding in mine ears : But O let it not 
be a flight, fuperficial tranfport i O let not this, which 
I would fain call my chriftian joy 9 be as that fcdijh* 
laughter with which I have been to madly enchanted, 
w like the crackling blaze of thorns under a pot !" ( p ) 
O teach me to fecure this mighty bleffing, this glori- 
ous hope, in the method which thou hail appointed ; 
and prefer ve me from miftaking the joy of nature, 
while it catches a glimpfe of its refcue from detrac- 
tion, for that cenfent of grace, which embraces and in<* 
fares the deliverance.'' 



=<gs»= 



CHAP. IX. 

A mow particular account cf the -way by -which this Saba* 
tion is to be obtained. 

An inquiry into the way of Salvation by Ghrift being fuppofed. § I J 
The finner is in general directed to repentance and faith. § 2. And urged 
to give up all felf-dependence. § 3. And ts feek falvation by free grace. 
§ 4. A fummary cf more particular directions is propofed. §5. (1,) That 
the finner mould apply to Chrift, § 6, with deep abhorrence of his former 
£ns, § 7. and a firm resolution of forfaking them. § 8. (a.) That he lo- 
Jemnly commit his foul into the hands of Chrift, the great vital acl of 
faith, §9. which is exempli lied at large, §10.(3.) that he make it in. 
fact the governing care of his future life to obey and imitate Chrift. § II. 
This the only method of obtaining golpel faivation. §12. The finner de~ 
liberating on the expediency of accepting it. 



NOW confider you, my dear reader 5 as 
coming to me with the inquiry, which the Jews once 
add relied to our Lord ; " What fhall we do, that we 
may work the works of God r" ( a ) What method 
fhall I take to fecure that redemption and faivation, 
which I am told Chritx has procured for his people ? I 
would anfwer it as ferioufiy and carefully as pcfliblej- 
as one that knows, of what importance it is to you to 
be rightly informed ; and that knows alio, how finely 
ly he is to aniVer to God for the fmeerity and care 

(p) Ecclcf, viii (5, ^) John vi. 23. 



'^4 Rife* progrefs of Religion in the Sad. 

with which the reply is made. May I be enabled to 
" foeak as his oracle," ( b ) that is, in Inch a manner,, 
as faithfully to echo back what the facred oracles 
teach. 

§ 2. And here, that I may be fure to follow the 
fafeft guides and the faireft examples, I muft preach 
Salvation to you in the way of Ci repentance towards. 
God, and of faith in our Lord Jefus ChrinV' ( c ) That 
good old doctrine which the apoftles preached, and 
which no man can pretend to change, but at the peril 
of his own foul, andfof theirs who attend to him. 

§3-1 fuppoie that you are by this time convinc- 
ed of your guilt and condemnation, and of your own 
inability to recover yourfelf. Let me nevertfcelefs 
urge you to feel that conviction yet more deeply, and 
to imprefs it with yet greater weight upon your own 
fcul, that you have undone yourfelf, and that " in 
yourfelf is not your help found." ( d ) Be perfuaded 
therefore, exprefsly, and folemnly, and fincerely ta 
give up all felf-dependence, which, if you do not 
guard againft it, will be ready to return lecretly, be« 
fore it is obferved, and will lead you to attempt build- 
ing up what you have juft been doftroying. 

$ 4. Be aiTured, that if ever you are faved, you 
mull afcribe that faivation, entirely " to the free grace 
of God." If, givlty and miferable as you are, you are 
not only accepted, but crowned, yen mure lav down 
your crown with all humble acknowledgment, before - 
the throne/' ( e ) " No flefh muft glory in his prefence;- 
buthe that "glorieth, muft glory in the Lord : For c? 
him are we in Chrift jefus, who of God is made unto 
us wifdom, and righteoufnefa, and fan clifi cation, and 
redemption." ( f ) And you muft be fenfible you are ia 
fuch a ftate, as having none of thefe in yourfelf, to 
need them in another. You muft therefore be fenk* 
fcle that you are ignorant and guilty, polluted atd in> 

(b) I Pet. iv. it. (c) Afts xx. M. (d) Hof. xiii. 9, 
(e) Rev. iv» 10. (f) x Gor, i. 29, ^j 2*. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the S&ul, 93 

ftaved; or, as our Lord exprefles it with rezard to 
ibme who were under a Cnnitian profeilion, that as a 
imner, " you are wretched, and m.ferable, and poor, 
and blind, and naked," ( g ) 

§ 5. If thefe views be deeply imprefTed upon your 
mind, yen .will be prepared to receive what i am now 
to fay. Hkir therefore in a few words your duty, 
your remedy! and your fafety, which conufts in this, 
-that you raf ft apply to Chrift, with a deep abhorrence 
of your former fins, and a firm refolution of fcrfaking 
them ; forming that refolution in the ftreny th of his 
grace, and fixing your dependence on him for your 
acceptance with God, even while you are propofmgto 
do your very beft, and when you have actually done 
th2 belt you ever will do in confequence of that pur- 
pofe. 

§ 6. The firft and mofl important advice that I 
can give you in prefent circumflances is, that yod 
look to Chriil, and apply yourfeif to him. < And here, 
*'fay not in your heart, who fhall afcend into heaven 
to bring him down to me ?" ( h ) or who fhall raife 
me up thither to prefent^me before him ? The bleffed 
Jefus " by whom all tftnigs confihV'O by whoai the 
whole fyftem of them is Supported, forgotten as he is 
by moll that bear his name, " is not far from any of 
us:"( k ) Ncr could he have promifed to have been 
" wherever two or three are met together in his name 5 * 
O but in confequence of thofe truly divine perfections 
by which he is every where prefent. Would you 
therefore, O fmner, defire to be faved ? Go to the 
Saviour. Would you defire to be delivered ? Look 
to that great deliverer : And though you mould be fo 
overwhelmed with guilt and fhame, and fear and hor- 
ror, that you mould be incapable of f peeking to him, 
fall down in this fpeechlefs confufion at his feet, and 

(g) Jlev. iii. it, (h) Rom. x, 6. (i) CoU-i* 17. (k) AGs Xvii.&7. 
I') Matt, .sviii, &>• 



$6 Rifc 9 prcgrtfs cf Religion in the Zzul. 

€i beheld him as the Lamb of God, that taketh away 
the fin of the world." ( m ) 

? 7. Behold him therefore with an attentive eye, 
and lay, whether the fight does not touch, and even 
melt thy very heart ! Doii thou not feel what a fooi- 
ifh and -what a wretched creature thou haft been ; 
that for the fake of fuch low and fordid gratifications 
and interefts as thofe which thou haft been purfuing, 
thou ihouidft thus " kill the prince of life ?" ( n ) Be- 
hold the deep wounds which he bore for thee. " Look 
on him whom thou haft pierced, w&furely them muft 
mourn," (°) unlefs thine heart be hardened 'into ftone. 
Which of thy psft fins canft thou reflect upon, and 
fay, " for this it was worth my while, thus to have 
injured my Saviour, and to have expofed the Son of 
God to fuch fufferings V ? And what future tempta- 
tions can arife fo. canfiderable, thit thou fiiouldft fay, 
6C for the lake of this, I will crucify my Lord again V* 
( p ) Sinner, thou muft repeat ; thou muft repent cf 
every fo, and muft forfake it. But if thou doeii it 
to any purpofe, I well know it muft be as at the foot 
of the crofs. Thou muft facrifice every luft, even the 
deareft, though it fhould belike " a right hand, or a 
right eye :" ( q ) And therefore, that tnou mayeft if 
piiible be animated to it, I have led thee to that altar 
on which " Chrift himfelf was iacriliced for thee an 
offering of a fweet-imelling favour." {•) Thou muft 
<c yield up thyfeif to God, as one alive fr.-m the dead :" 
( : ) And therefore I have (hewed t ; iee at what a price 
he purchafei thee; for " thou waft not redeemed 
with corruptible thing?, as filver and gold, but with 
the precious blood of the Son of God, that Lamb 
without blemifh and without fpot." ( f ) And now [ 
would afk thee, as before the Lord, what does thine 
own heart fay to it ? Art thou grieved for thy former 

fm) John I. 29. (n) A&s ill . 15'. (o) Zach. xYi, 10. 

(p) Heb. vi. 6. (q) Matt. v. 19 f 30, (r) Eph. v, 2. 

(s) Rom. vi. I3« ,(0 * Pet. i. 18, 19. 



Rife -, progrefs cf Religion in the SouL 97 

©{fences? Art thou willing to forfake thyfms? Art 
thou willing to become the cheerful, thankful fervant 
of him who hathpurchaied thee with his own blood ? 

§ 8. I will iuppofe fuch a purpofe as this rifing in 
thine heart. How determinate it is, and how efie&ual 
it may be, I know not — what different views may 
arife hereafter, or how foon the prefent fenfe may wear 
eff. But this I alfuredly know T , that thou wilt never 
fee reafon to change thefe views ; for however thou 
mayeft alter, the Lord " jefus Chrift is the fame yet- 
terday, to da}^, and forever. " (u) And the reaibns 
that now recommend repentance and faith as fit and 
as neceiTary, will continue invariable, as long as the 
perfections of the blefied God are the fame, and as 
long as his Son continues the fame. 

§ 9. But while you have thefe views and thefe 
purp: fes, I muft remind you, that this is not all that 
is neceiTary to your falvation. Ycu muft not only 
purpofe, but, as God gives opportunity, you muft act 
as thofe who are convinced of the evil of fin, and of 
the necefiity and excellency of hclinefs. And that 
you may be enabled to do fo in ether infisr.ces. you 
muft in the firft place, and as the firft great work of 
God, as our Lord himielf calls it, i; believe in him 
v/hom God hath fent :" ( v ) Ycu muft confide in him j 
mu^ commit ycur foul into the hands cf Chrift, to be 
laved by him in his own appointed method cf lalva- 
tion. This is the great aft of faving faith, ana 1 pray 
God that you may experimentally know what it 
means ; fo as to be able to jay with the apoftle Paul, 
in the near views cf death itielf, <s 1 know whem 1 
have believed, and am perfuaded that he is able to 
keep that which I have committed to him until that 
day ;" ( y ) that great decinve day, which, if we are 
Chriftians, we have always in view, lb this I would 
urge ycu ; and O lhat I ccuid be fo happy as to en- 
gage you to it, while I am iilvflrating it in this and 

, Cu) H*b. *!», 8, (v) John vi. -29, (v.) .% Ti m , J, is, ~ 



93 Rl/e 9 progrefs of Religion in the Sou!. 

the following addrefies; be allured youmuft net ap- 
ply yourfelf immediately to God, as abidlutely, or in 
himfelf confidered, in the negkft of a mediator. It will- 
neither be acceptable to him ucr fafe for yon, to rofh 
into his preience without any regard to his own Son, 
whom he hath appointed to introduce finners to him. 
And if you come otherwife, ycu come as one -who is 
not a J Inner. The very manner of prefenting the ad- 
drefs will be interpreted as a denial cf that guilt with 
which he knows you are chargeable, and therefc re he 
will not admit you, nor fo much as look upon ycu. 
And accordingly, our Lord, knowing how much eve- 
ry man living was concerned in this, fays in the mofh 
universal terms, " no man ccmeth unto the father but 
by me." (*) 

§ io. Apply therefore to this glorious Redeemer, 
amiable as he will appear to every believing eye in the 
blood which he fhed upon the crofs, and in the'wounds 
which he received there. Go to him, O fmner, this 
day, this moment, with all thy fins about thee. Go 
juft as thou art ; for if thou wilt never apply to him till 
thou art firft righteous and holy, thou wilt never be 
righteous and hciy at all ; nor canft be fo on this fup- 
poiition, unlefs there were fome way of being fo with- 
out him, and then there would be no occaiicn for ap- 
plying t0 mm f° r righteoufnefs and holinefs. It were 
:ndeed as if it mould be faid, that a fick man mould 
defer his application to a phyfician till his health be 
recovered. Let me therefore repeat it without offence, 
?o to him juft as thou art, and fay, (O that thou mayeft 
this moment be enabled to fay it from thy very foul !) 
46 BlefTed jefus, I am furely one of the moft fmful, 
and otie of the moft mlferable creatures that ever fell 
proftrate before thee. Neverthalefs I come, becaufe 
I have heard that thou didft once fay, " come unto me 
all Ve that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give 
vcoi reft. 5; C) I come, becaufe 1 have heard thou dSdft 

(z) John iir% 6< (a) Matt. xi. 28, 



Rife y progrcfs of Religion in the Soul* 99 

gracioufly fay, " him that corneth unto mm I will in 
no wife caftout." ( b ) O thou Prince of peace, O thou 
King of glory, I am a condemned, rniferable (inner. I 
have ruined my own foul, and I am condemned for- 
ever, if thou doit not help me and lave me. I have 
broken thy Father's law and thine, for thou art < c one 
with him." ( c ) I have deferved condemnation and 
wrath ; and i am even at this very moment under a 
fentence of everlafting destruction : A detraction 
which will be aggravated by all the contempt which i 
have caft upon thee, O thou bleeding Lamb cf God , 
for I cannot and will not dihemble it before thee, thai: 
1 have wronged thee, moft bafely and ungrateful iv 
wronged thee, under the character of a Saviour as- 
well as of a Lord. But now 1 am willing p uibmii 
toth.^e, and I have brought my poor trembling foul io 
lodge it in thine hands, if thou wilt; condefcend io re- 
ceive it, and if thou doit not, it mufc perifh. O Lord 
I he at thy feet, itretch out " thy golden iceplre that: 
I may live!" ( d ) Yea, "if it pieaie the king, let the 
life of my foul be given me at my petition jjv ( e ) I 
have no treafure wherewith to purcbaie it; I have no 
equivalent to give thee for it: But if that companion- 
ate hsarcof thine can fihdj a pleafure in laving one of 
the moft diftrefled creatures under heaven, tbat plea- • 
fure thou mayefc here find. O Lord,. I have fooliihly 
attempted to be- mine own faviour, but it will not do. 
I am fenfible the attempt is vain, and therefore I give 
it over, and look unto the. On thee,, bleiied Jefus 3 . 
who art fure andntedfaft, do I defire to fix my anchor... 
Gn thee, as the only fure foundation,. would I build 
my eternal hopes. To thy teaching, O thou unerr- 
ing prophet cfthe Lord, would I fubmit : Be thy doc- 
trine ever fo myfterious, it is enough for me that thou 
thyfelf haft laid it. To thine atonement,. obedience,, 
and intereehion, O thou holy and ever-acceptable 
High Prieft, would I truth And to thy government 

(b) Johayi. ,3t? ( c ) John x. 30. (d) E£h, iv. ix. (e),Efth, vii. 3. 3 



too &ife 9 progrtfi of Religion in the Soul. 

thou exalted Sovereign,, would I yield a willing, de- 
lightful fubjecnon : In token of reverence and love y I 
fcS kifsthe 3on %" ( f ) I kifs the ground before his feet. 

1 admit thee, O ray Saviour, and welcome thee with 
unutterable joy, to the throne in my heart. Afcend 
it, and reign there forever ! Subdue mine enemies, O 
Lord, for they are thine ; and make me thy faithful, 
thy zealous ier^ant ; faithful to death, and zealous to 
eternity. 

§ ii. Such as thisnraft be the language cf ycur 
very heart before the Lord. But then remember, 
i hat in coniequsnee hereof it mult be the language cf 
your life too. _ . The unmeaning words of the lips 
woul.l be a vain mockery. The moil affectionate 
franfport cf the paffbns, fhould it be iranflent and in- 
^recbial, would be but like a blaze offraw, prefented 
in (lead of iacenfe at his altar. ^ With fuch humility, 
with inch love, with inch cordial felf- dedication and 
iiibmhTnn of foul muft thou often prolirate thyfelf in 
fjie preience of Chrift ; and then thou mull po away 
and keep him in thy view ; muft go away and live 
unto God through him, Ci denying ungodiinefs and 
w-ordly lulls, and behaving thyfelf foherly, righteouf- 
ly, and godly, in this Vain mfnarmg world." ( s ) You 
muft make it your care, to mew your love by obedi- 
ence; by forming yourfelf as much as poflible, ac- 
cording to the temper and manner of Jefus, in whom 
you believe. Ycu mufl make it the great point of 
your ambition, (and a nobler view you cannot enter- 
tain) to be a living image cf Chrift ; that fo far as cir- 
cumstances will allow, even thole who have heard and 
readout little of him, may, by cbierving you, in 
fome meafure fee and know what kind of a life that 
of the blefled Jefus was. And this muft be your con- 
stant care, your prevailing character, as long as you 
live. You muft. follow him* wiiherfoever he leads you, 
m\i±fllow with a crofs on your moulder, when he 

(f) Pialna ii. ia. (g) Tit. ii. xa. 



RTfiy progrefs of Religion hi the Scith '» 1 6 1 * 

commands you to " take it up ;" ( h ) and fo muft "be. 
faithful even to the death, expecting the crown of 

§ 12. This, fo far as I have been able to learn - 
from the word of God, is the way to fafety and glo- 
ry ; the fureft, the only way you can take, It is the 
way which every faithful mimfter of Chrift has trod, 
and is treading ; and the way, to which, as he tend- 
ers the falvation of his own foul, he murt direct 
others. We cannot, we would not alter it in favor 
of ourfelves or our deareft friends. It is the way, m * 
which alone, fo far as we can judge, it becomes the 
bleiTed God to fave his apoftate creatures.- And 
therefore, reader, I befeech and intreat you ferioufly , 
to confider it ; arid let your own confidence anfwer as. 
in the prefence of God, whether you are willing to ac- 
quiefce in it or not. But know, that to reject it is 
thine eternal death. For as " there is no other name 
under heaven given among men, whereby we can be 
faved," ( k ) but this of Jefus of Nazareth, fo there is 
no other method but this, in which Jefus himfeif will 
fave us. 

The Sinner deliberating on the expediency of falling in ivith : - 
this ^Method of Salvation* ■ 

" CONSIDER, O my foul, what anfwer wilt 
thou return to fuch propofals as thefe ? Surely, if I 
were to fpeak the firft dictate of this corrupt and de- 
generate heart, it would be, "this is a hard faying, 
and who can bear it," (*) To be thus humbled, thus 
mortified, thus fubjecled ! To take fuch a yoke upon - 
me, and to carry it as long as I live I To give up every 
darling luft, though, dear to me as a right eye, and : t 
feemmgry neceilary as a right hand! To fubmit, nor 
only my life, but my heart, to the command and dis- 
cipline of another ! To have a mafter t£ere, and fuch 
a matter as will comroul many of its favorite aiFec- 

(H) M*», xvi, 34. (i) Ret. il. io, (k) A&s iv. i%, (i) John vi. 6c, 
(IX 2) - 



102 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

lions, and direct them quite into another channel f A 
matter, who himfelf reprefents his commands, by tak- 
ing up the crofs and following him. To adhere to 
the ftri&eft rules of godlinefs and fobriety, of righte- 
oufnefs and truth ; net departing from them in any 
allowed inftance, great or imall, upon any temptation, 
for any advantage, to efcape any inconvenience and 
evil, no, not even for the prefervatioa of life itielf ; 
but, upon a proper call of Providence, to act as if I 
" hated even my own life i" ( m ) Lord, it is hard to 
fiefh and blood ; and yet I perceive and feel, there is 
,one demand yet harder than this. 

Cfi With all the precautions, with all thefe mor- 
tifications, the pride of my nature would find fome in- 
ward recourfe of pleafure, might I but fecretiy think 
that I had been my own faviour ; that my own wif- 
dom, and my own refolution, had broken the band's 
and chains of the enemy ; and that I had drawn out 
of my own treafures, the price with which my re- 
demption was purchafed. But mult I lie down before 
another, as guilty and condemned, as weak and help- 
lefs I And mult the obligation be multiplied, and 
muft a Mediator have his fhare too ? Muft I go to the 
crofs for my falvation, and feek my glory from the in- 
famy of that I Muft I be dripped of every pleafing 
pretence to righteoufnefs, and ftand in this refpeft up- 
on a level with the vileft of men ? Stand at the bar 
cjmng the greateft criminals, pleading guilty with 
them, and feeking deliverance by that very act of 
grace, whereby they have obtained it ? 

" I dare not deliberately fay this method is un~ 
reafonable- My confeience testifies that I have finned, 
and cannot be juftified before God, as an innocent, 
and obedient creature. My confeience tells me, that 
all thefe humbling circumftances are fit : That it is fit 
a convicted criminal fhould be brought upon his knees : 
That a captive rebel mould give up the weapons of 

(m) Luke x\v, £6, 



Rife , progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 103 

his rebellion, and bow before his Sovereign, if he ex- 
pect his life. Yea, my reafon, as well as my confid- 
ence tells me, that it is fit and neceflary, that if I am 
faved at all, I mould be faved from the power and 
love of fin, as well as from the condemnation of it ; 
and that if Sovereign Mercy gives me a new life, after 
having deferved eternal death, it is moft fit I mould 
" yield myfelf to God, as alive from the dead." (?) 
Bur, O " wretched man that I am, I feel a law in my 
members, that wars apinft the law of my mind," (°) 
and oppofes the conviction of my reafon and confei- 
ence. Who (hall deliver me from this bondage f 
Who fnall make me willing to do that, which I know 
in my own foul to be moft expedient ? O Lord, fub- 
due my heart, and let it not be drawn fo ftrongiy one 
way, while the nobler powers of my mind would di- 
rect it another; conquer every licentious principle 
within, that it may be my joy to be fo wifely gov- 
erned and retrained ? Eipecially fubdue my pride, 
that lordly corruption, which fo ill fuits an impover- 
ifhed and a condemned creature ; that thy way of 
faivation may be amiable to me, in proportion to the 
degree in which it is humbling ! I feel a difpofition to 
* c linger in Sodom, but O be merciful to me, and pull 
me out of it," ( p ) before the ftorms of thy Haming 
vengeance fail, and there be no more efeaping I" 

C Ii A P. X. 

The Sfrzner ferioiifty urged and intreated 19 accept &f Solvation 
in this way, '% 

Since many who have been impreffed with thefe things, fuffer tbe ;! 
Imprefiion to wear oft in vain. § I.. Strongly as the cafe fpeaks for itfelf, 
fmnersare to be intreated to accept this Salvation. § 2. Accordingly the 
reader is intreated, (x.) by the majefty and mercy of God : §3, (2.) By 
the dying love of our Lord Jefus Chrift : § 4. (3.) By the regard due to 
fellow creatures : § 5» (4 ) By the worth of his own immortal foul. §6* 
The matter is folemniy left with the reader, as befoie God. §7. The 
■fianer yielding to thefe intreaties, and declaring his acceptance of Salva.=» 
tion by" Chrift* 

(n)Rcra, v'u *3- (°) Rom; vii, 23, 34- (p) Ccs, xix, I& 



704 Rifi^progrefs of Religion in the Soul - 

§ i. X HUS far have I often known convictions 
and impreffions to arife, (if I might judge by the 
ftrcngeit appearances) which after ail have worn off. 
again.. Some unhappy circumstances of external, 
temptation ever joined, by- the inward reluctance of an 
unfanclified heart to this holy and humbling fcheme. 
of redemption, has been the ruin of multitudes. And 
" through the deceitfulnefs of fin, they have been 
hardened," ( a ) till they feem to have been " utterly 
deftroyed, and that without remedy." ( b ) And there-, 
fore, O thou jmmortal creature, who art now reading, 
thefe lines, I befeeeh thee, that while affairs are in this : 
critical fituation, while there are thefe balancings of 
mind, between accepting and rejecting that glorious, 
gofpel, which, in the integrity of my heart, I have 
sow been laying before you, you would once more 
give me an attentive audience, while I plead in God's 
behalf, (hall I fay, or rather in your own; while "as. 
an ambaffador for Ghrift, aad as though God did be- 
feeeh you by me, I pray you, in Chrifl's -dead, that 
ycu/woutdhe reconciled to God ;'* ( c ) and would not, 
after all thefe awakenings and thefe inquiries, by a 
madnefs, which it will furely be ? the doleful bufmefs- 
of a miferable eternity to lament, reject this compak 
fionate .counfel of God towards you* 

§ 2. One would indeed imagine there mould be 
no need of importunity here. One v/ould conclude, 
that as fson as perifhing miners are told, that an of- 
fended God is ready to be reconciled ; that he offers 
them a full pardon fcr all their aggravated fins ; yea, 
that, he is willing to adopt them into his family now,, 
that he may at length admit them to his heavenly pre- 
fence ; or (hould with the utmoft. readinefs and plea» 
fure embrace fo kind a meffage, and fall at his feet in 
fpeechlefs tranfports of aftonifnmentj gratitude and 



(a).Heb. iii, 13. (b) ProY, xxix. 1, (c) % C«r, v. 3c.. 



Qd 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. i o§ 

joy. _ But alas, we find it much otherwife. We fee 
multitudes quite unmoved, and the impreffions which 
are made on many more, are feeble and tranfient. 
Left it fhould be thus with you, O reader, let me urge 
the meffage with which I have the honor to be charg- 
ed : Let me intreat you to be reconciled to God, and 
to accept of pardon and falvation in the way in which 
it is fo freely offered to you. 

§ 3. I intreat you, by the majefty of that God, 
in whofs name I come, whofe voice fills all heaven 
with reverence and obedience. He fpeaks not in vain 
to legions of angels ; but if there could be any contei> 
tion among thole blefTed fpirits, it would be, who 
fhould be firH to execute his commands. O let him not 
fpeak in vain to a wretched mortal 1 I intreat you, by 
the terrors of his wrath, who could fpeak to you in 
thunder ; who could, by one fmgle acl of his will, 
cut oil* this precarious life of yours, and fend you down 
to hell. I befeech you by his mercies, by his tender 
mercies ; by the bowels of his compaiTion, which ftiil 
yearn over vou, asthofeof a parent over a dear fon 5 . 
over a tender child, whom, notwithstanding his former 
ungrateful rebellions, " he earneflly remembers ftill." 
( d ) I befeech and intreat you by all this parental 
goodnefs*, that you do not, as it were, compel him to 
iofe the character of the gentle parent, in that of the 
righteous Judge ; fo that, as he threatens, with re- 
gard to thole whom he had juft called " his fons and 
his daughters, a fire mould be kindled in his anger, 
which fhould burn unto the lo weft hell." ( e ) 

§4.1 befeech you farther, by the name and love 
of our^y in g Saviour. I befeech ycu by all thecon^ 
defcenfion of his incarnation; by that poverty, to 
which he voluntarily fubmitted, w that you might be 
enrichedwith eternal treafures ;" ( f ) by all the graci- 
ous invitations which he gave, which ftiil found in his 
word, and Mill coming, as it w^re, warm from hi§ 

(d} Jer, xxxi. 20. (e),Dsut, xxxii. I9~23, (f)iCor, viii. 9* 



to6 Rtfe^ progrefe of Religion in the Soul, 

heart, are "fweeter than honey, or the honey-comb.' * 
( s ) 1 befeech you, by ail his glorious works of power 
and of wonder, which were alfo works of love. I be- 
feech you, by the memory of the moil benevolent per- 
fan, and the moft generous friend. I befeech you, by 
the memory of what he fuffered, as well as of what 
he faid and did ; by the agony which he endured in the 
garden, when his body was covered " with a dew of 
blood. " ( h ) I befeech you, by all the tender diftrefs 
which he felt, when his deareft friends cc forfook 
him and fled," fl and his blood-thirily enemies drag- 
ged him away like the meaner! of flaves, and like 
the viteft of criminals. I befeech you, by the blows 
and bruifes, by the ftripes and lafhes, which this in- 
jured Sovereign endured while in their rebellious 
hands ; by thefham: of f pitting , from which he hid not 
that kind and venerable <J countenance." ( k ) I befeech 
you, by " the purple robe, the fceptre of reed, and 
the crown of thorns which this King of glcry wore,. 
that be might fet us among the princes of heaven." ( ! ) 
1 befeech you, by the heavy burden of the crofs under 
which he panted, and toiled, and fainted, in the pain-*, 
ful way to "■ Golgotha," ( ro J that he might free us 
from the burden of cur fins. I befeech you, by the 
remembrance of thofe rude nails that tore the veins 
and arteries, the nerves and tendons of his facred hands 
and feet ; and by that invincible, that triumphant 
goodnefs, which, while the iron pierced his flefh, en- 
gaged him to cry out, Ci Father forgive them, for they 
know not what they do." ( n ) I befeech you, by the 
unutterable anguiih which he bore, when lifted up up- 
on the crofs, and extended there as on a rack, for fix 
painful hours — that you open 3^our heart to tnofe at- 
tractive influences which have " drawn to him thou- 
fands and ten thoufands." (°) .1 befeech you, by all 
that infult and derifion which the " Lord of glory 

(g) Pfalm xlx. 10. (h) Lukexxu. 44. (') Matt. xxti. 56. (k) lfai, I. 6 t 
"(I) Pfalrn cxiii. 8. (m) John x'x, ;?• ( n ) *-uke xxiii. 34. 



R!Je 9 pfogrcfs of Relight in the Soul, ' i ©7 

"bore 8&sra ;" (p) by that parching tUrft 9 which could 
hardly obtain diq relief of " vinegar ;" ( q ) by that 
doleful cry, fo aftonifhmg in the mouth of " t e only 
begotten of toe Father, my God, my God, why haft 
thcu fbrfaken me r" ( r ) I befeec". you, by t e gmce 
that fu&dued. arid pardon d " a dying materacl: or ',"(*) 
by that companion forfimiers, by tha c >mp tfTion for 
you, which wrong it in his heart, long as i s vital mo- 
tion c mtiaued, and which e id d not when 6S he b:w« 
ed his head, faying it is finifned, an! g ve up the 
ghoft." ( c ) I befeeca ym, by the triumph? of that re- 
furreclion^ by whrch he was " declared to be t e Son 
of Go ! with power, by the Spirit of Holinefs which 
wrought to accompiifh it \" ( u ) by that gracious ten- 
dernsfs which attempered all thofe triumphs, wen 
he faid to "her out of whom he had ciftfeven devils,*' 
concerning his difcipl-es who h;d treated himfo bafely, 
*■ go tell my brethren, I afcend unto my Father and 
your Father, unto my God and your God." ( v ) I be- 
feech you, by that eondefceanb i, with which ha faid 
to Thomas, when his unbelief had made fuch an un» 
reafonable demand, " reach hither thy finger, and be- 
hold my hands, and reach higher thine hand, and put 
it to my fide, and be not faithlefs, but believing." ( y ) 
I befeech you, by that generous and faithful care of 
his people, which he carried up with him to the re- 
gions of glory, and which enraged him to fend down 
his Spirir, in that rich prof afion of miraculous gifts, 
to fpread the progrefs of his faving word;*' ( z ) I be- 
feech you, by that voice of fympathy and power with 
which' he faid to Saul, while injuring hit church, 6i Saul, 
Saul, why persecuted thou me ?" (*) By that gener- 
ous goodnefs, which fpared that proftrate enemy, 
when he lay trembling at his feet, and raifed him to 
fo high a dignity, as to be <; not inferior* to the very 

fc) John xii. 3%. fo) Matt. xxvii. 39— -44- (q)John x^x. 23, 29, 
(r) Matt, xxrii. 46- (s) Luke xxiu. 4a, 43- ( ) J°hn x x - 3^« 

(u) Roiru i, 4. (v) John xx. 17. (v) John xx. 2?, 

(^ Atts ii. 33, 0) A&5 ix. 4. 



x<o3 Rije, progrefs of Religion in the Soiih 

chiefeft apoftles." ( b ) I befeech you, by the memory 
of all that Chrift hath already clone, by the expecta- 
tion of all he will farther c!o for his people. I befeech 
you at once, by the fceptre cf his grace, and by that 
uvcrd of his juftice, with which all his incorrigible 
enemies (hall be " flajn before him," ( c ) that you do 
not trifle away thefe precious monents, while his Spi- 
rit is thus breathing upon you ; that you do not lofe 
an opportunity which may never return, and en the 
improvement of which your eternity depends. 

§ 5. I befeech you, by all the bowels of cempaffion 
which y:u ewe to the* faithful mimfters of Chnft; 
who are fhidying and laborirg, preaching and pray- 
ing, wearing out their time, exhaufting their ftrength, 
and very probably, fhortening their lives, for the fal- 
vation of your foul, and of fouls like yours. I befeech 
you, by the afFecTion, with which all that love our Lord 
Jefus Chrift infincerity^ long to fee you brought back to 
him. I ipefeech ycu, by the friendfhip cf the living, 
and by the memory of the dead; by the ruin cf thole 
who have trifled away their days, and are perifhed in 
their fins, and by the happinefs of thofe who have em- 
braced the gofpel, and are faved by it. I befeech 
you, by the great expectation of that important "day, 
when the Lord Jefus (hall be revealed from heaven •'' 
( d )by "the terrors of a diffolving world ;" ( e ) bv 
the found of the arch- angel's trumpet, ( f ) and of 
that infinitely more awful (entence, "come ye blefled, 
and depart ye curfed," with which that grand fclem- 
nity fhall clofe. ( g ) 

§ 6, I befeech you finally, by your own precious and 
' immortal foul ; by the fure profpect of a dying bed, or 
of a fudden furprize into the invisible fiate ; and as 
ycu would feel one fpark of comfort in your depart- 
ing fpirit, when yourfejh and your heart are failing, 1 be- 
ieech you, by your own perfonal appearance before 

(b) a Cor. xii. 11. (c) Luke xix. 27: (d) % Thef. i. 7. 

(.4 A Pet, Hi. 10. (f; 1 Thef, iv. it* (g) Matt. xxv. ,34-4** 



■ FJf>>, progrefs of Religion in the Sad. 109 

the tribunal of Chnft, (for a perfonal appearance it 
mart be, ev^n to them who now ilt on thrones of 
the : r own ;) by all the transports of the bleiied, and 
by all the agonies of the damned, the one or the oth- 
er cf which mutt be your everlaiiing portion. I af- 
fectionately intreat and befeech yon, in the ftrengta of 
all thefe united confiderations, as you will aniwr it 
to me, who may in that day be fummonecl to teftlf y 
ag.iiaft yr.u ; and, which is unfpeakably more, as you 
will anfwer it to your own confeience, as you will 
anfwer it to the eternal judge..; that yen difmiis not 
thefa thoughts, theie meditations, and thefe csr s, till 
you have brought matters to an happy iiTue ; till you 
•have made a reiolute choice of Chrifx, and his ap- 
pointed way of falvation, and all you have folemoly 
devoted ycurielf to God in the bonds of an everlaft- 
ing covenant. 

§ 7. And thus I leave the matter before you, and 
before the Lord, I have told you my errand ; I have 
difcharged my emDafTy. Stronger arguments I can- 
not u f e ; more endearing and more awful comlder- 
ations 1 cannot fuggeft Chufe therefore, whether 
y:u will go out (as it were) clothed in fackclotr, to 
cafe yourielf at tne feet of him who now fends you 
thefe equitable and gracious terms of peace and par- 
don,; or, whether you will hold it out, till he appears 
fword in hand, to reckon with 3^011 for your treafons 
and 3^our crimes, and for this neglected ernbafTy 
among the reft of them. Fain would I hope the beft 3 
nor can i believe, that this labor of kve mall be fo en- 
tirely unfuccefsful, that not one foul mail be brought 
to the foot of Chrift, in cordial iubrniilion and hu:n' le 
faith. " Take with you therefore words, and turn 
unto the Lord ;" ( h ) and O that thole which follow, 
might, in eifecl at leaft, be the genuine laaguage of 
every one that reads them? 

(h) Kef. xiv. 2. 
(X) 



1 1 o Rife, prcgrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

The Sinner yielding to tfrefe Intreaties, and declaring Us 
Acceptance of Salvation by Chr:it. 

" BLESSED Lord, it is enough ! It is too 
vouch ! Surely there seeds net this variety of argu- 
ments, tbis importunity ofperfuafion, to court me to 
be happy, to prevail upon me to accept of pardon, of 
life, of eternal glory. Companionate Saviour, my 
foul is fubdued ; fo that I null, the language cf thy 
grief is be corns that of my penitence, and I. may 
fay, " mv heart is melted like wux in the midft of my 
bowels." (') 

' ; O gracious Redeemer! I have already neg- 
lected thee too long. 1 have too often injured thee; 
have crucified thee afrefh by my guilt and impenitence, 
ns if I had taken pleafure in "putting theerto an cpen 
lhame." ( k ) But my heart now bows itfelf before thee 
in humble, unfeigned fubrnifnon ; I defire to make no 
terms wiih thee but thefe, that I may be entirely 
thine. I cheerfully preferit thee with a blank, intreat- 
ing thee, that thou wilt do me the honor to fignify 
upon it, what is thy pleafure. _ Teach me, O Lord, 
ivhat thou ivouldfi have me to do J For I defire to learn 
the bffon ; and to learn it, that I may practife it. If 
it be more than my feeble powers can anfwer, thou 
wilt, I hope, give me more ftrength ; and in that 
fhrengih I will ferye thee, O receive a foul, which 
thou haft made willing to be thine. 

" No more, O bleifed jeias; no mors is it ne- 
ceffary to befeech and id treat me. Per. nit me, rather 
to addrefs myfelf to thee, with all the importunity cf 
a perifhing finrer, that at length fees and knows, 
" there is iaivatlon in no ether.'' ( l ) Permifl me now, 
Lord, to come, and throw myfelf at thy feet like a 
heiplefs outcaft, that has no fhriter but in !hy gener- 
ous compaifion ;• like CTiQ purfued by. the avenger ofb!;;d 3 

(i) Pfalm xxii. J4« (k) Heb. vi. 6, () Afts iv. t:. 



Rife, frogrefs -cf Religion in the Soldi :n 

and feeking earneflly an admittance " into the city of 

refuge i'TJ 

w * I wait for the Lord, my foul doth wait; : and 
in thy word do I hope," ( B ) that thou wilt 5i receive 
me gracioully." ( c ) My foul confides in thy goodneff, 
and adores it. I adore thy patience whicn has borne 
with me lb long, and the grace that now makes me 
heartily willing to be thine ; to be thine on thine own 
terms, thine on any- terms, O iecure this treacherous 
heert to thyielf 1 O units me to the? in iuch iniepara- 
ble bonds, that none of the allurements of fl-ih and 
blood, none of the vanities of an Infiiaring world,- 
r.cnecfthe felicitations of ilnful companions, may 
dray/ me back from thee, and plunge me into new 
Root and ruin! "Be furety, O Lord, for thy iervnnt 
for good," ( p ) that I may {till keep my hold on thee, 
and lb on eternal ate ; til! at length I know more furl- ■ 

e^ 
v Lets -a Saviour thou art K* Amen, 



G Ii A R XL 

Aplemn Addrefe to thofe who will not Is per faded to falfih ' 
wiihiheDfignoft^GfpeL 

UmVerfal fuccefs not to be expeO.ed. § r. Yet, as unwilling a b folate- 
!y -ogive up any, the author add'reffes, (;) To thofe who doubt of the 
truth or Chri'Ilianity, urgi ng sn- inquiry into its evidences, and- dire&in » 
to proper mjt'-iods for that purpofe. § a—4., 0) To thofe who uetermina 
to give ;t up -.v:th3ut tun. her examination, §5. and prefume to fet them- 
ieKcs to Qppofe it. § 6. (3) To thofe who fpiieuiatively afi'ent to ChriftUn- 
icy as true, and yet will i.c down without sny practical regard to its moic 
important and acknowledged trut-hs. Such are difmiiied, with a repre- 
ientation of the abiurdity of their conduct on theipown principles} § 7, 8-. ■ 
with a folemn warning of its fatal consequences 5 §'9, 10, and a compaf- 
fionate prayer introduced, % II, which conciuoc» the chapter, and this 
pait of the work. 






5 1. JL WOULD humbly" h^pe, that thz preced 
ing chapters will be the means of awakening feme (tar, 

(m) Joih, xx. 2, 3. (n) Pfalm exxx. 5-. (o)Hof, xW, %* 

(p) fla/m-cxix. '&%>- 



2 i 2 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Souh 

p'd and mfenfible finners ; the means of convincing 
them of their need cf gofpel falvation, and of engag- 
ing fome cordially to accept ir. Yet I cannot Hatter 
myielf'ib far, as to hop? this ihculd be the cafe with 
regard to all, into whole hands this book fhall come. 
What s *arn I , alar, better than my fathers/ 1 .-(*.) or 
better than my brethren, who have' in all ages, been 
repeating their complaint, with regard to multitudes,, 
that they " have ftretched out their hands all the day 
long to a difobedient and gaiafaying people r 5 '( b ) Ma- 
ny fuch, may perhaps be round ir the number of my 
readerc: Many, on whom, neither confid.-raticns of 
terror nor of love, will make any deep and iauing im- 
preflion: Many, who, as cur Lord learnt by exp:rbnce 
to exprels it, " when we p : pe to them, will not $ance ; 
and when we mourn unto them, will not lament. 55 ( c ) I 
can fay no mora to periuade them, if they make light 
of what i have already iaid. Here, therefore, we 
muft part ; in this chapter I muft take my l;-ave cf 
them: And, O that 1 could do it in fuch a manner,as 
to fix at parting, feme convictio3i upon their hearts ; 
that though I ieeni to leave them for a little whib, 
and fend them back to review rgain the former ekap- 



in ' 



icn aim 

fr*rvn 



tney 



ey pre lent 



ters, as tnoie 

concern, they might foon, as it were, overtake me 
again , and find a iuitablenefs in the remaining part of 
teas diicourfe, which at prefent they cannet poiiiciy 
find. Unhappy creatures ! I quit you. as a phyfician 
quits a patient whom he loves, and is juft sbofrt to 
give over as incurable : He returns again and again, 
and re-examines the feveral fymptoms, to obleive 
whether there be nct.fome one of them more fever- 
able than the reft, which may encourage a renewed 
application. 

§ 2. So would I once more return to y~u. You 
do not find in yourfelf any difpohhion to embrace the 
gofpel, to apply yourfelf to Chrift, to give yourfelf 

(a) i Kings xix. 4. (b) Rom. x. ai. (<) Mti , ... 



Rife, progrefs if Religion hi the Sail. 113- 

up to the fervice of God, and to make religion the 
buflnels of your life. But if I cannot prevail upon 
you to do this, let me engage you at leaft to sxiiwer 
me, or rather to anfwer your own ccmfeience. Why 
you will not do U ? Is it owing to any fecret difbelief 
of the great principles of religion ? If it be, the cafe 
is different from what I have yet confidered, and the 
cure muii be different. This is not a place to com- 
bat with the icruples of infidelity. Nevertheless I would 
defire you feriouify to inquire, how far thofe" icruples 
extend. Do they affect only feme particular 'doctrines 
of the gofpel, on which my argument hath turned? 
Or do they afreet the whole Chriftian revelation ? Or 
do they reach yet farther, and extend themfelves to 
natural religion, as well as revealed, fo that it fhculd ■ 
be a doubt with you, whether there beany God, and 
Providence, and future ibte, or not? As thefe cafes 
are all different, fo it will be of great importance to 
diffinguhTi the one from the other ; that you may 
know, on what principles to build as certain, in the 
examination of thofe, concerning which you are yet in 
doubt. But whatever thefe doubts are, I would fur- 
ther afk you, how long have they continued, and 
what method have you taken to get them refolved I 
Do you imagine, that in matters of fuch moment, it 
will be an allowable cafe for ycu to trifle on, neglect- 
ing to inquire into the evidence of thefe things, and 
then plead your not being Satisfied in that evidence, as 
an excufe for not acting according to them ? Muit not 
the principles of common feiife allure you, that if 
thefe things be true, as when you talk of doubting 
about them, you acknowlege it| at leaft poffible they 
may, they are of infinitely greater importance than 
any of the affairs of life, whether of bufinefs or plea-" 
fare, for the fake of which you neglect them ? Why 
then, do you continue indolent and unconcerned, 
from week to week, and from month to month 3 
which probably- conference tells yo$ is the cafe ? 
(X 2) 



i 14 Rjfei P ro S re f s °f Region in the Sou!. 

^ § 3. Do you aJk, what method you mould take 
to be refclved ? It^ is no hard queftion. Open your 
eyes : Set yourfelf to think : Let con (Hence fpeak ; 
and verily do I believe, that if it be net feared in an 
uncommon degree, you will find lhrewd forebodings 
of 1 he certainty both of natural and revealed religion, 
and of the abfolute neceiiity of faith and hclicefs, to 
a life of future felicity. If yon are a perfon of any 
learning, ycu cannot but know, by what writers, and 
in what treatifes, thefe great truths are defended, 
And if you are not, you may find, in. almoft every 
town and neighbourhood, perfons capable of inform- 
ing you in the main evidences of Chriiiianity, and of 
anfwering fuch fcruples againft it as unlearned minds 
may have met with. Set yourielf then, in the name 
of God, immediately to confider the matter. If you 
ftudy at all, bend your fludies clofe this way ; and 
trifle not with mathematics, or poetry, or hiftory, or 
law, or phyfic, which are all comparatively light as a. 
feather, while you neglecl this. Study the argument, 
as for your life.; for much more than life depends, 
on it. See hew far you are fatisfied, and why that 
fatisfaction reaches no farther, Compare evidences 
on both fides.' And above all, confider the def gn and 
tendency of the New Teftament. See to what it 
would lead you, and all them that cordially obey it ; 
and then fay, whether it be not good. And confider 
how naturally its truth is connnecled with its good- 
nefs. Trace t he chr racier and fentiment s of its auth- 
ors, whofe living image, if I may be allowed the ex- 
preffion, is ftill preferved in their writings. And then 
a(k your own heart, can you think this was a forge- 
ry ; an impious, cruel forgery ? For fuch it muft have 
been, if it were a forgery at all ; a fcheme to mock 
God, and to ruin men, even t^e bell of men, fuch as 
reverenced confeience, and would abide all extremi- 
ties for what they apprehended to be truth. Put the 
queftion to your own heart, can J 3 in my confeience, 



Rife) prcgrefs qf Religion in the Soul, i x $ - 

believe it to be fuch an impofture ? Can I look up to 
an omnifcbnt God, and lay, O Lord, thou knowefh 
that it is in reverence to thee* and in love to truth and 
virtue, that I reject this book, and the method to hap- - 
pinefs here laid down. 

§4. But there are difficulties in the way. — An-i 
what then ? Have thofe difficulties never been clear- 
ed ? Go to the living advocates for Chriftianity, to 
thofe of whofe abilities, candor, and piety, you have 
the beft opinion ; if your prejudices will give you 
leave to have a g:od opinion of any Inch : Tell them 
your difficulties : Hear their Motions : Weigh them 
ierioufly, as thofe who know they mult aniwer it to 
God : And while doubts continue, fellow the truth 
as far as it will lead yo a, and take heed that you do 
not "imprifon it in unrighteoufnefs."( d ) Nothing ap- 
pears more inconiilknt jmd abfurd> than for a man 
iolemnly to pretend diiiatisfaction in the evidences of 
the gofpel, as a reafon why he cannot in confeience 
be a thorough Chriftiaa ; when yet at the fame time 
he violates the melt apparent dictates of reafon and 
confeience, and lives in vices condemned ev^n by the 
heathens. O Sirs, Chrift has judged concerning fuch, 
and judged moft rbhteoufly and mod wifely : i% They 
do evil, and therefore they hate the light, neither 
come they to the light, left their deeds ihould be 
mads mamfeit and -reproved." ( e ) But there is a 
light, that will, make manifeft and reprove their 
works, to which they fnall be compelled to come, 
and the painful fcruiiny of which they fhajl be forced 
to abide. 

§ 5. In the mean time, if you are determined 
to inquire no farther into the matter now, give me 
leave at leaft, from a fmcere concern, that you may 
not heap upon your head more aggravated ruin, to 
in treat you, that you would be cautions how you 
expofe yourfelfto yet greater danger, by what you 

(d) Kcm, i, 18, (e) John iin 20, 



1 1 6 Rife, progrefi of Religion in the Sad. 

limit yourfelf own to be urmecefTary, I mean at- 
tempts to pervert others from believing the truth of 
the gofpel. Leave them, for God's fake, and for 
yotir own, in poffefEion of thofe pleasures, and thofe 
hopes, which nothing but Christianity can give them ; 
andacl: not, as if ycu were folicitous to add to the 
guilt of an infidel the tenfold damnation, which they. 
Who have been the perverters and defiroyers of the 
fouls of others, mult expecY to meef, if that gofpel 
which they have fo adventuroufly oppofed mould 
prove, as it certainly will, a ferious, and to them a 
dreadful truth. 

§ <5. If I cannot prevail here, but the pride of dif- 
playing a fupericrity of understanding fnould bear on 
fuch a reader, even in opposition to his ov/n favourite 
maxims of ihe innocence of error, and the equality 
©fall religions confident with foetal virtue, to do his 
utmoft to trample down tie gofpel with contempt ; I 
would, however, difmifs him with one propofal, which 
I think the importance of the affair may fully juftify. 
If you have done with your examination into Chriiti- 
anity, and determine to live and conduct yourfelf as if 
it were affuredly falie, fit down then, and make a 
memorandum of that determination. Write it down ; 
• *' ; on fuch a day of fuch a year, 1 deliberately refolved, 
that I would live and die, rejecting Chriftianity my- 
felf, and doing all I could to overthrow it. This day 
I determined, not only to renounce all Subjection to, 
and expectation from Jems of Nazareth ; but alfo to 
make it a ferious part of the bulinefs of my life, to 
deftroy, as far as I poflibly can, all regard to him in 
the minds of others, and to exert my melt vigorous ef- 
forts, in the way of reafoning or of ridicule, to fink 
the credit of his religion, and if it be pcffible, to root it 
out of the world ; in calm, Heady defiance of that 
day, when his followers fay, he mail appear in fo 
much majeSty and terror, to execute the vengeance 
threatened to his enemies." Dare ^/ou write this, and 



R-fi-iprogrefs of Religion in the Soul, nj 

fign it? I firmly believe, that many a man, who 
would be th:ught a deift, and endeavors to increafe 
the number, would not. And if you in particular., 
dare not do it, whence does that {mail remaiader of 
caution arife ? The caufe is plain, There is in your 
conscience, fome fecret appreh^nfion, that this reject- 
ed, this oppofed, this derided goipel, may, after ail, 
prove true. And if there be men an apprehenHon, 
then let confidence do its office, and convicl you of 
the impious madnefs, of acling as if it were moft cer- 
tainly and demontirabiy falfe. Let it tell you at 
large, how p oflib le it is 3 tha; '* that haply you may 
be found fl^hung agamft Gcd :" ( f ) ihat, bold as you 
are, in defying the terrors of the Lord, you may pof- 
fitly fall into his hands ; may chance to hear that de£- 
piled fentence, which,, when you hear it from the 
mcu.h of the eternal judge, ycu will not be able to 
dcipiie : I will repeat it again, in fpite of all your 
fcorn, you may hear the King fay to you, " depart 
accurfed, into everhfdng fire, prepared for the devil 
an.i his angels," ( g ) And now, go and pervert and 
burlefque the Scripture, go and lampoon the charac- 
ter of its heroes, and ridicule the fublime diicouries 
of its prophets and its apofxles ; as fome have done, 
who have left little behind them, but the ihort lived 
monuments of their ignorance, their profanenefs, and 
their malic?. Go, and ipread like them, the ban- 
ners of infidelity, and pride thyfeif in the number of 
credulous creatures lifted under them. But, take 
heed, left the intuited Galilean direct a fecret arrow 
to thine heart, and flop tjay licentious breath, before 
it has iiniihed the next fentence thou wculdft utter 
sgainft him. 

§7.1 will now turn myfelf from the delft or the 
fceptic, and direci: my addrefs to the nominal Chrh> 
tian ; if he may upon any terms be called a Chrirtian, 
who feel; not, after all I have pleaded, a diipoiitiou 

'C A&s v, ;>o. (s) Msitt, xxv, 41, 



1X3 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sou!. 

to fubjecl himfelf to the government and the grace of 
that Saviour, whofe name he bears.' O (inner, thou 
art 'turning away from my Lord, in whofe caufe I 
fpeak ; but let me earneitly mlreat thee, ferioufly n 
confider, why thou art turning away, and to whom 
thmiwiltgo, from Him, whom thou acknowledged 
" to have the words of eternal life." ( h ) You call your- 
felf a Chfriuian, and yet will not by any means be 
perfuaded to feek falvation in good earneft from, 
and through Jefus CrrLa% whom you call ycur maiier 
and your Lord. Hew do you for a moment excufe 
this negligence to your own confidence? If I had urg- 
ed you on any controverted point, it might have al- 
tered the cafe. If I had labored hard to make you 
the difciple of any particular party of ChriMians, 
your delay might have been more reefbnable : Nay, 
perhaps your refilling to acquiefce, might hove been 
an aft of apprehended duty to our common Matter* 
But is it matter of controverfy among Chriiian?* 
whether there be a great, holy, and righ-etus God j 
and whether fueh a Bring whom we agree* to own, 
fhculd be reverenced and loved, or neglected and dlf- 
honored! ? Is it a matter of controverfy, whether a 
fmner mould deeply and ferioufly -repent of his fins, 
or whether he mould go on in them ? Is it a diipu- 
tod pci it ainocgft us. whether Jeius became mc:rn • to, . 
and died upon the crof?, for the redemption of mi- 
ners-, or no? And if it be not, can it be dictated by m 
diem who believe him to be the Son of God, and 
the Saviour of men, whether a fmner nV.uM feek to 
him, or neglect him? Or, whether one, who profbffes 
to be a Chrifiian, fhould depart from iniquity, cr give 
himfelf up to the practice of it ? Are the precepts of 
our great Mailer written fo obfeurely in his word, 
that there mould be room ferioufly toqueftion, whe- 
ther ha require a devour, holy, humble, (pirhunl, 
watchful, ieli>denyiog life, or whether he allow thsL- 



Rife j progrfs of Religion in the Sou!. 11.9 

contrary ? Has Chri.x, after all his pretennons of 
bringing life and immortality to light, left it more un- 
certain than he found it, whether there beany future 
flate of happinefs and mifery, or for whom thefe 
States are rejpscYively intended ? Is it matter of cen- 
tre verfy, whether God will, or will not, " bring eve- 
ry work into judgment, with every fecret thing, whe- 
ther it be good, or whether it be evil?" () or whether, 
at the conclufiom of tJhat judgment, " the wicked fhall 
go away into everkfT-ng punfh^eat, and the righte- 
ous into life eternal J*' ( k ) You will not, I am fure, for 
very marae, pretend any doubt about thefe things, 
and yet call yourfelf a -Chriftian. Why then v» ill you 
not be perfuaded to lay them to heart, and to acl as 
duty and intereii fo evidently require ? O finner, the 
came is to 3 obvious ; a cauie indeed quite unworthy 
of being called a reafon. It is becaufe thou art blind- 
ed and beibtted with thy ..vanities and- thy lu'fts. It is 
becaufe thou haft fome perifhing trifle, wnich charms 
thy imagination and t y fenfes, fo that it is 
dearer to thee than God and Chrift, than thine own 
foul and its falvatiom It is in a. word, becaufe thou 
art flail under the influence of that carnal mind which, 
whatever pious forms it may fometimes admit and 
pretend, " is enmity againft, God, and is not fubjecT: 
to the law of God, neither indeed can be." ( J ) And 
therefore, thou art in the very cafe of thefe wretches, 
concerning whom our Lord laid, in the days of his 
fiefh, " ye will not come unto me that ye might have 
life," O and therefore " ye ftiall die in your fins." ( n ) 
§ 8. In this cafe I fee not what it can fignify, 
to renew tnofe expostulations and addreSes, which I 
have made in the former chapters. As our blefifed 
Redeemer fays, of thofe who rejected hisgofpel, "ye 
have both feen and hated both me and ; my Father f y 
(°) fo may I truly fay with regard to you ; I have 

(i) Ecclef: xii. I4» ('<) Matt, xxv. 46. (1) Rojm. viii. 7. (m) Johnvi. 40/ 
(n) Jc4in viii. 24. [a) John xv. 24, 



I 10 Rifik progrefs. of Religion in the Sou!. 

endeavored to (hew you in the plaineft and cleared 
words both Chrift and the Father , I have urged 
the obligations you are under to both ; I have laid 
before you your guilt, and your condemnation ; I 
have pointed out the only remedy ; I have pointed 
out the rock, on which I have built my own eternal 
hopes, and the way in which alone I expec~t falvation. 
I nave recommended thefe things to you, which if 
God gives mean opportunity, i will, with my dying 
breathy f arneftly and affectionately recommend to my 
cwn children, and to all the deareix friends that I have 
upon earth, who may then be near me ; efceeming it 
the higheft token of my frier dfhip, the fureft proof of 
my love to them. And, if believing the gofpel to be 
true, you refolve to reject it, I have nothing farther to 
fay, but that you muft abide by the confequence. Yet, 
as Mofes, when he went out from the prefence of 
Pharaoh for thelaft time, finding j is heart yet more 
hardened by all the judgments and deliverances, with 
which he had been form rly exerciied, denounced up- 
on him, God's u palling through the land in terror, 
to fmite the firft-b :rn with death, and warned of that 
great and lamentable cry which the fword of the dd- 
troying angel fhculd raife through:u: all his realms:" 
(p) So will I, {inner, now when I am quitting thee, 
fpeak to thee yet again, " whether thou wilt hear, or 
whether thou v/ilt forbear." ( q ) and denounce 
that much more, terrible judgment, which "the 
.fword of divine vengeance, already whetted and 
drawn, and bathed as it were in heaven," ( r ) is pre- 
paring againft thee ; which (hall end in a much more 
doleful cry, though thou wert greater and more obfli- 
nate than that haughty monarch. Yes, fmner, that I 
may, with the apoftie Paul, w en turning to others, 
wIid are more likely to hear me, " (hake my raiment 
and lay, I am pure from your blood ;" ( f ) I will on- 



u; 



(p) Exod. xi. 4—6. (q) Ez-ek. ij. 7. (r) Ifai. xxxiv 

(?) Atfs xviiir 6, 



Rifes progrefs cf Religion in the Soul* I'll 

more tell you, what the end of thefe things will be-: 
And O that I could fpeak to purpofe "! O that I 
could thunder in thine ear fuch a.. peal of terror as 
might awaken thee, and be too loud to be drowned ia 
all the noife of carnal mirth, or to be deadened by thofe 
dangerous opiates with which thou art contriving to 
ftupify thy confcience ! 

§9. Seek what amufements and entertainments 
thou wilt, O {inner, I tell thee, if thou wert equal ia 
dignity, and power, and magnificence, to the great 
monarch of Babylon, " thy pomp mall be brought 
down to the grave, and all the found of thy viols; the 
•worm fhall be fpread under thee, and the worm mail 
cover thee/' («)* Yes, -firmer, "the end cf thefe things 
is death $** ( u ) death in its moft terrible fenfe to thee, 
if this continue thy governing temper. Thou canft 
not avoid it ; and if it be poflible for any thing that I 
can fay to prevent, thou malt not forget it. Your 
" ftrength is not the ftrength of ftones, nor is your 
Hem of brafs." (0 You are accefnbie to difeafes, as 
well as others ; and, if fome fudden accident do not 
prevent it, we mail fcon fee, how heroically you will 
behave yourfelf on a dying bed, and in the near views 
of eternity. You that now defpife Chrht, and trifle 
with his gofpel, we fhall fee you droop and languifh, mall 
fee all your relifh for your carnal recreations, and your 
vain companions, loft. And if perhaps one and another 
cf them bolt in upon you, and is brutifh anddefperate 
enough to attempt to entertain a dying man, with a gay 
itory, or a profane jell, we (hall fee how you will relifh it* 
We fhall fee, what comfort you will have in reflecting 
on what is psft, or what hope in looking forward to what 
Is to come. Perhaps trembling and aftonifned, you 
will then be inquiring in a wild kind of confternation ? 
what ycu fhall do to be faved ; calling for the minif- 
ters of Chrift, whom you now difpife for the earneft- 
iiefs with which they would labour to fave your foul % 

(t) Ifai xiv. Si. (u) Rom- vl. $9, (v) Job. vi.'ia. 

(XI) ' 



1 2. i Ri/2, progrifs cf Religion in the BcuU 

9.nd it may be, falling into a delirium, or dying con* 
¥ulfio3s ? before they can come. Or perhaps we may 
fee you flattering yourfelves, through a long lingering 
illnefs, that ycu fhall ftill recover, and putting oif any 
ferious reflection and converfaticn, for fear it mould 
cveriet your fpirits. And the cruel kindnefs of friends 
and phyiicians, as if they were in ie?.gue with fatan to 
make the deftru&icn of your foul as lure as poffible, 
may perhaps abet this fatal deceit. 

J # 10. And if any of thefe probable cafes happen, 
that is, in Cheat, unlefs a miracle cf grace match yon 
as a brand cut of the burning, when the flames have 
as it w r ere already taken hold of you ; all thefe gloomy 
circumfhmcee, which pafs in the chambers of illneis 
and the bed. of death, are but the fore-runners cf in- 
finitely mere dreadful things. O, v/ho can def:ribe 
them ! who can imagine them! When furviving friends 
are tenderly mourning over the breathlefs corpfe, and 
taking a fond farewell of it, before it is -laid to con- 
fume away in the dark and iiient grave, into w T hat 
hands, O finner,will thy fcul befallen ! What fcenes 
will open upon thy feparate fpirit, even before thy 
deferted fiefh be cold, or thy Cghtlefs eyes are clofed ! 
It (hall then know, what it is to return* to God to be 
rejected by him, as having rejected his gofpel and^ his 
Son, and defpifed the only treaty of reconciliation, 
and that fuch a one, fo amazingly condefcending and 
gracious. Thou (halt know what it is to be difowned 
by Chrift, whom thou haft refnfed to entertain ; and 
■what it is, as the certain and immediate cenfequence 
of that, to be left in the hands of the malignant fpirits 
of hell. There will -be no more friendship then : None 
to comfort, none to alleviate thy agony and diftrefs ; 
but on the contrary, all around thee laboring to aggra- 
vate and increafe therm Thou (halt pafs away the 
intermediate years of the feparate ftate, in dreadful 
expectation, and bitter outcries of horror and re- 
morfc< And then thou {halt hear the trumpet of the 



Rlfe^progrefs of Religion in the Soul. t$$' 

arch-angel, in whatever cavern of that gloomy world 
thou art lodged. Its found fhall penetrate thy prifon 9 
where doleful and horrible as it is, thou (halt never- 
thelefs wifh that thou mighteft ftill be allowed to hide 
thy guilty head, rather than fhewit before the face of 
that awful Judge, before whom " heaven and earth are 
fleeing away." ( y ) But thou muir come forth, and be re- 
united to a body, now- formed forever to endure ago- 
nies which in this mortal Hate would have duTolved it in a 
moment. You would not be perfuaded to come to 
Chriii before : Ycu would ftupidly neglect him, in 
fpite of reafon, in fpite of ccnfcience, in fpite of all the 
tendered felicitations of the gofpel, and the repeated 
admonitions of its mofl faithful miniftersv But now, 
finner, you fhall have an interview with hrai ; if that' 
may be called an interview, in which you will not- 
dare to lift up your head to view the face of your 
tremendous and inexorable Judge. There at- leanV 
how diftant foever the time of our life and the place 
of our abode may have been, there fhall we fee, how 
courageouily " your heart will endure, and how 
itrong your hands will be, when the Lord doth this." 
( z ) There fhall I fee thee, O reader, whoever thou 
art that goeft on in thine impersitehcy, among thouf- 
ands and teir thou lands of defpairing wretches, trem- 
bling and confounded. There (hall I- hear thy cries 
among the reft, rending the very heavens in vain* 
The Judge will rife from the tribunal with rnajeftic 
compDfure, and leave thee to be hurried down to 
thofe everlafling burnings, to which his righteous ven^ 
geance hath doomed thee, becaufe thou wouldit 
not be laved from them. Hell fhall -■ fhut its mouth 
upon thee forever, and the fad echo of thy groans 
and outcries fhall be loft amid the hallelujahs of 
heaven to all that find mercy of the Lord in that day. 
§ 1 1. This will mofl ahuredly be the end of thefe 
things : And thou, as a Ghriftian, profefTeft to know^ 

(y). Rev, xx., n. (z) Ezek. xxii,-i4. 



724 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the ScuL 



and to believe it. It moves my heart at leafc, if It 
moves not thine. I firmly believe, that every one, 
"who himfelf obtains ialvation and glory, will bear fo 
much of his Saviour's image in wifdom and good- 
cefs, in zeal for God, and a fieady regard to the hap- 
pinefs of the whole creation, that he will beheld ihis 
fad fcene with calm approbation, and without any 
painful commotion of mind. But as yet I am fbfh 
and blood ; and therefore my bowels are troubled, 
and mine eyes often overflow with grief, to think, 
that wretched finners will have no more companion 
upon their own fouls ; to think,, tiiat in fpite of all 
admonition, they will obftinately run upon final ever- 
lalting deftru&ion. It would fignify nothing here, to 
add a prayer, or a meditation, for your ufe. Poor. 
creature ! you will not meditate \ you will not pray ! 
Yet as i have often poured out my heart in prayer 
ever a dying friend, when the force of his diftemper 
has rendered him incapable of joining with me ; fo 
will I now apply myfelf to Gcd for you, O unhappy 
creature ? And if you difdain fo much as to read what 
my companion dictates ; yet I hope, they who have 
felt the power of the gofpel on their own. fouls, as they 
cannot but pity fneh as you, will join with me ia 
fuch cordial, though broken petitions, as thefe. 

A prayer in behalf of an impenitant Sinner, in the Cafe def- 
cribed above-, 

" ALMIGHTY God ! " with thee ail things 
are poflible ;" ( a ) to thee therefore do I humbly ap- 
ply myfelf in behalf of this dear immortal foul, which 
thcu here feed perifhing in its fns, and hardening 
itfelf againfc that everlading gofpel, which has been 
the power of God to the falvation of fo many thouf- 
lands and minims. .Thou art witnefs O blefied Gcd, 
thou art witnefs to the plainnefs and ferioufhefs, with 
which the menage has been delivered. It is in thy pre* 

(a) Matt. xxix. 26. 



Rife, prcgrefs of Religion in the Soul 127 

him, who hath loved us, and warned us from our fins 
m his cwn blood," and hath made us cf condemned 
rebels,and accurfed polluted fmners, "kings andpriefc* 
unto God ; to hm be glory and dominion for ever 
and ever 1" Amen, ( £ ) 



=*s&2 



CHAP. XII. 

An addrefs to a Soul Jo overwhelmed with a fenfe of ihe- 
greatnefs of its Sins, that it dares not apply it/elf to Chrifi 
with any Hope cffalvation. 

The cafe defcribed at large, § 1—4- as it frequently occurs. § 5». 
Granting all that the deje&ed foul charges on itfelf, §6. the invitations, 
and promifes of Chrift give hope. § 7. The reader urged, under all his 
burthens and fears, to an humble application to him : § 8. Which is 
accordingly exemplified in the concluding reflection- and prayer, 

§ 1. X HAVE now done with thofe unhappy 
creatures who difpife the gcfpel, and with thofe who 
neglect it. With pleafure do I now turn myfelf to 
thofe who will hear me with more regard.. Among 
the various cafes which now prefent themfelves to 
my thoughts, and demand my tender, affectionate, 
refpcclful care, there is none more worthy of com- 
panion, than that which I have mentioned in the title 
of this chapter ; none which requires a more imme- 
diate attempt of relief. 

j 2. It is very poiJibie fome afBicled creatures 
may be ready to cry out, " it is enough : Aggravate my 
grief, and my diftrefs, no more* The fentence you 
have been fo awfully defcribing, as what fhall be paff- 
ed and executed on the impenitent and unbelieving, 
is my fentence ; and the terrors of it are my terrors. 
For - mine iniquities are gone up unto ihe heavens, 
and my tranfgreflions have reached unto the clouds.'* 
( a ) My cafe is quite Angular. Surely there never was 

(g) Rev, i. St % ( a ) &e*t yili. S> 



S2& Rife y progrefs of Religion in the Scuf. 

fo great a (inner as I. I have received fo many mer- 
cies, I have enjoyed fo many advantages, I have heard 
fo many invitations of gofpel- grace ; and yet my heart 
has been fo hard, and my nature is fo exceeding fm- 
fuL and the number and aggravating circumftances of 
my provocations have been fuch,that I dare not hope. 
It is enough, that God hath fupported me thus long ; 
it is enough, that after fo many years cf wickednefs, 
I am yet out of hell. £ very day's reprieve is amercyy 
at which I am afbnifhed. " I lie down, and wonder, 
that death and damnation have not feized me in my 
walks the day poft. I arife, and wonder that my 
bed hath not been mv grave ; wonder, that my foul 
is not feparated from fkfh,and furrounded with devils i 
and damned fpirits. 

$3. "J have indeed heard the meflage of falva- 
lion ; but alas, it feems no meifage of falvation to me. ■ 
There are happy fouls that have hope ; and their hope - 
is indeed in Chrift, and the grace of God manifefted 
in him. But then they^ feel in their hearts an encour- 
agement to apply to him ; whereas I dare not do it, 
Chrift and grace' are things, in which, I fear, I have 
no part, and muft expect none. There are exceeding 
rich and precious promifes in the word of God ; but 
they are to me as a fealed book, and are hid from me 
as to any perfonal ufe. I know, Chrift is able to fave 2 
I know, he is willing to fave fome. But that he 
ihouM be willing to fave me, fuch a polluted, fuch a 
provoking creature, as God knows, and as confcience 
knows I have been, and to this day am ; this I 
know not how to believe : And the utmoft that I 
can do towards believing it, is to acknowledge that it 
is not abfolutely impoffible, and that I do not yet lie 
down in complete defpair ; though alas, I feem upon 
the very borders of it, and expect every day and hour 
to fall into it." 

§ 4. I ihould not perhaps have entered fo fully 
into this cafe, if I had not feen many in it 5 and I will 



&\f e i pt'ogrefs of Religion in the Sou?. 1 2 ? 

fence that thefe awful words have been written ; and 
in thy prefence have they been read. Be pleafed there- 
fore to record it in the book of thy reme:nb ranee, that 
fb " if this wicked man dieth in his iniquity," after the 
warning has been fo plainly and fo foleiruly given him 
" his blood may not be required at my hand," ( b ) nor 
at the hand of that Chrifttan friend, whoever he is by 
whom this book has been put into his, with a fincere de- 
fire for the falvation of his foul, Be witnefs, O blefled 
JefuSjin " the day in which thou malt judge the fecrets 
of all hearts," ( c ) that thy gofpel has been preached ' 
to this hardened wretch, and falvation by thy blood • 
hath been offered him though he continue to defpife 
it. And may thine unworthy meiTenger be "unto 
God a fweet favour in Chrift, in this very foul even 
though it mould at laft perifh [" ( d ) 9 

" But,0 that after all his hardnefs and im- ■ 
penitence, thou wouldft flill^be pleaied, by the fb- 
vereign power of thine efficacious grace, to awaken 
and convert him ! Well -do 'we- know, O thou Lord 
of univerfal nature, that he, who made the foul can 
caufe the fword of conviction to come near and enter 
into'it. O that, in thine infinite wifdom and love 
ihouwouldft find out a way to interpofe, and fave 
this fmner from death, from eternal death * O that 
ifitte thy blefled will, thou wouldft immediately do 
it ! Thou Weft, O God, he is a dying creature : 
Thoukiioweft, that if any thing be done for him, it 
muft be done^ quickly : Thou ieeft, in the book of ' 
thy wife and^ gracious decrees, a moment mark- 
ed, which must leal him up in an unchangeable ftate * 
Q that thou wouldft lay hold on him, while lie is vet 
m joined with the living, and hath hope !" ( e ) Thv 
immutable laws in the difpenfati on of grace forbid, - 
tnat a loul moUid be converted and renewed after it<?- : 
entrance on the invifible world : O let thy facred 4 

(XI a) 



1 26 Rife* pvogrefs of Religion in the Sou!, 

Spirit work, while he is yet as it were within the 
iphere of his operations ! Work, O God, by what- 
ever method thcu pleafefc : only have mercy upon 
him \ O Lord, have mercy upon him., that he ihk 
not into thole depths of damnation and ruin, on the 
very brick of which he fo evidently appears ! O that 
thou wouldft bring 1dm, if that be neceftary and feem 
to thee moll expedient, into any depths of calamity 
anddiftrefs ! O that, withManaffeh, he may be "taken 
in the thorns, and laden with the fetters of affliction, 
if that may but caufe him to feek the God of his fa- 
thers ! ( f ) 

" But I prefcribe not to thy infinite wifdom* 
Thou hafc difplayed thy power in glorious and alloc- 
ifhing inftances ; which I thank thee, that I have fo 
circumitantially known, and by the knowledge of them 
have been fortified againft therafh confidence of thofe 
who weakly and arrogantly pronounce that to be im- 
poffible which is actually done. Thou baft, I know., 
done that by a fingle thought in retirement, when 
the happy man reclaimed by it hath been far from 
means, and far from ordinances, which neither the 
moil awful admonitions, nor the meft tender intrea- 
ties, nor. the mofx terrible afflictions, nor the rnoft 
wonderful deliverances had been able to effect. 

" Glorify thy name, O Lord, and glorify thy 
grace, in the method which to thine infinite wifdom 
mall feem rnoft expedient ! Only grant, I befeech thee, 
with all humble fubmifiion to thy will, that this firmer 
may be faved ! or if not, that the labour of this part 
may not be altogether in vain ; but that if fome re- 
ject it to their aggravated ruin, others may hearken 
and live ! That thofe thy fervants, who have labored 
for their deliverance and happinefs, may view them 
in the regions of glory, as the fpoils which thou haft 
honored them as the inftruments of recovering ; and 
may join with them in the hallelujahs of heaven, " to 

k (f) % ChfQfi, xjttiii, li 3 i*i 



Ri/e, progrefi of Religion in the Soul* 1 2$ 

zdd reader, for your encouragement, if it be your 
cafe, feveral who are now in the number of the molt 
e.labliihed, cheerful, and ufeful Chrifiiarrs. And I 
hope, divine grace will add you to the reft, if C4 cut of 
thefe depths you be enabled to cry unto God ;" ( b ) 
and though, like Jonah, you may feem to be w calt 
cut of his prefence, yet frill, with Jonah > you look 
towards his holy temple. 5 ' ( c ) 

§ 5. Let it not be imagined, that it is in any neg- 
lect of that bleiTed Spirit, whcfe cfiice it is to be the 
great Comforter, that I now attempt to reafon you 
out of this difconfolate frame : For it is as the great 
iburee of reafon, that he deals with rational creatures ;-. 
and it is in the ufe of rational means and cenfidera--. 
tions, that he may moft jufrly be expected to operate. 
Give me leave therefore, to addrefs myfelf calmly to 
you, and to alk you, what reafon you have for all 
theie paiTionate complaints and accusations againft 
yourfeif ? What reafon have ycu to fuggeft, that 
your cafe is lingular, whenfo many have told you, 
they have felt the fame ? What reafon have you to 
conclude fo hardly agaiafi ycurfelf, when the gofpel 
i'peaks in fuch favorable terms ? Or what reafon to 
imagine, that the gracious things it fays are not intend-- 
e:l for yon ? Ycu know indeed more of the corrupt 
tions of your own heart, than you know of the hearts 
of others ; and you make a thoufand charitable ex- 
cufes for their villble failings and infirmities, which 
you make not fcr your own. And it may be fome 
of thofe, whom you admire as eminent faints when 
compared with you, are on their part humbling them- 
felves in the duft as unworthy to be numbered among 
the ieaft of God's people, and wifhing themfelves like 
you, in whom they think they fee much more good^.. 
and much lefs of evil than in themfelves. 

j 6. But to fuppofe the worS, what if you were 

(b) Pfah cxxx. 1, t (c) Jonih ii. 4« 



Jf3© -K% progrejs of ReUgion in the Sout, 

really the vileft finner that ever lived upon the face cf 
the earth ?. What if your iniquities had gone up unto 
the heavens every day, and" your tranfgreiTions had 
reached unto the clouds ;'* ( d ) reached thither with 
fuch horrid aggravations, that earth and heaven mould 
have had reafon to deteft. ycu, as a monfter of im- 
piety ? Admitting all this," is any thing too hard for 
the "Lord ?" ( e ) Are any fins, of which a fmner can 
repent, of fo deep a dye, that the blood of Chrift 
cannot waih them away ? Nay, though it would be 
daring wickednefs and monftrous folly, for any " to 
fin that grace might abound," ( f ) yet had you indeed 
raifed your account beyond all that divine grace has 
ever yet pardoned, who fhould " limit the Holy One 
of Ifrael ?" ( g ) or who (hould pretend to fay, that it 
was impoilible that God might for your very wretch- 
ednefschuieyouout from others, to make ycu a monu- 
ment of mercy, and a trophy of hitherto unparale li- 
ed grace I The apoiile PaulftroDgly intimates this to 
have been the cafe, with regard to himfelf : And 
why might not you likewife, if indeed " the chief of 
iinners, obtain mercy, that in you, as the chief, Jems 
Chrift might mew forth all long-fufferirg, for a pat- 
tern to them who mall hereafter believe V y ( h ) 

§ 7. Gloomy as your apprehenfions are, I would 
afk you plainly, do you in your eonfcience think, that 
Chrift is not able to fave you t What, is he- not able 
to fave even " to the utmoft, them that come unto 
God by him ?'* ( 5 ) Yes, you will fay, abundantly able 
to do it 5 -but I dare not imagine, that he will do it. 
And how do you know, that he will not ? He has 
helped the very greater! fmner s of all that have yet 
applied themfelves to him : And he has made the of- 
fers of grace and falvation in the raoft engaging and 
encouraging terms. " If any man thirft, let him come 
unto me, and drink : ( k ) " Let him that is athirft* 

(d) Rev. xviii. 5; (e) Gen. xviii. 14. (0 Rom. vi, 1. 

(g) Pfal. Ixxviii. 41. (ti) 1 Tim. i- 15* 16. (i) Heb. vii. 2J% 

(k) John vii. 37* 



R{fc 9 progrefs of Religion in the Smil. 13 s 

come ; and whofoever will, let him take cf the water 
of life freely : " ( ! ) " Come unto me all ye that labor 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you reft : ( m ) 
And once more, " him that cometh unto me, I will 
in no wife call out/' ( n ) True, will you Iky, none 
that are given him by the father : Could I know, I 
were of that number, I could then apply cheerfully to 
him. But, dear reader, let me intreat you to look 
into the text itfelf, and fee, whether that limitation be 
exprefsly added there. Do you there read, none of 
■them whom the father hath given me mail be call 
out ? The words are in a much mere encouraging 
form : And why mould you fruftrate his wifdom and, 
goodnefs, by fuch an addition of your own ? "Add 
.not to his words left he reprove thee : (°) Take them 
as they fland, and drink in the confolation of them. 
Our Lord knew into what perplexity feme ferious 
minds might poflibly be thrown by what he had be- 
fore been faying, "all that the father hath given me, 
mall come unto me ; SJ and therefore, as if it 
were on purpofe to balance it, he adds thofe gracious 
words, " him that cometh unto ms I will in no wife," 
by no means, no confederation whatfoe-ver, "caft out." 
§ 8. If therefore you are already difcouraged and 
terrified at the greatnefs of your fins, do not add to 
their weight and number that one greater and wcrfe 
than all the^ reli,a diftruft of the faithfulnefs and grace 
of the blefied Redeemer. Do not, fo far as in yoia 
lies, oppofe all the purpofes of his love to you. O 
diftreffed foul, whom doft thou dread ? To whom 
doft thou tremble to approach ? Is there any thing fo 
terrible, in a crucified fedeemer, in the lamb that was 
ilaia ? If thou carrier! thy foul almoft finking under 
the burthen of its guilt, to lay it down at his feet, 
what doft thou offer him, but the fpoil which he bled 
and died to recover and poffefs ? And did he pur- 

(0 Rey. xxii. 17. (m) Matt, xi. 28. (n) John vi. 37, 

(o) ?iOV. xxs« v. 



^32 Rife^progrefs of Religion in tie Sen!. 

chafe it fo dearly, that he might reject it. with difdain ? 
Go to him direclly, and fail down in his prefence, and 
plead that mifery of thine, which thou aaft now been 
pleading in a contrary view, as an engagement to 
ycur own foul to make the application, and as an 
argument with trie companionate Saviour to receive 
3'0U. Go, and be afiured, that " where fin hath 
abounded, there grace (hall much mere abound." ( p ) 
Be afiured, that if one firmer can promife himfelf a 
mere certain welcome than another, it is not he that 
is leaf! guilty and miferable, but he that is moft deep- 
ly humbled before God, under a fenfe of that milery 
and guilt, and lies the toweft in the apprehenhon of it* 

.Reflection on thefe Encouragements? ending in an humble 
and earnejl Application to Ckriji for Met cy. 

" O MY foul, what fayeft thou to thefe things ? 
Is there not at lean: a poflibiiity of help from Chrift ? 
And is there a poflibiiity of help any other way ? fi Is 
any other name given under heaven, whereby we 
may be laved ? I knew there is none." ( q ) 1 muft 
then fay, like the lepers of Ifrael, ( r ) " if i lit here, I 
perifn ; and if I make my application in vain, I can 
but die/' Butperadventure,he may fave my foul alive. 
1 will therefore arife, and go unto him ; cr rather, 
believing him here by his fpiritual prefence, iinful and 
miferable as I am, 1 will this moment fall down on 
my face before him, and pour out my foul unto him. 

" BieiTed Jefus, I prefent myfelf unto thee as a 
wretched creature, driven indeed by neceihty to do 
it. For furely were not that neceihty urgent and ab- 
folute, I mould not dare for very (hams, to appear in 
thine holy and majeftic prefence. I am fully convinced 
that my fins and my follies have been inexcufably 
great ; more than I can exprefs, more than I can con- 
ceive. I feel a fource of fin in my corrupt and degen- 
erate nature, which pours out iniquity as a fountain 

(p) Rom,.5. ao, (<}) iv. U. (0 a Kings vii. 4- 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 133 

fends out its water, and makes me a burden and 
a terror to myfelf. Such aggravations have at- 
tended my tranfgreffions that it looks like pre- 
fumption, fo much as to aik pardon for them. And 
yet, would it not be the greater prefumption to 
lay that they exceed thy mercy, and the efficacy 
of thy blood? To fay that thcu haft power and 
grace enough to pardon and fave only Turners of 
a lower order, while fuch as I lie out of thy 
reach? Prefer ve me from that blafphemous imagi- 
nation! Preferve me from that unreafonable fuf- 
picion ! Lord, " thou canfi: do all things, neither 
is there any thought of mine heart withholdem 
from thee," ( r ) Thou art indeed, as thy word 
declares, " able to fave unto the uttermonV' 0> 
And therefore, breaking through all the oppofitionr 
of fhame and fear, that would keep me from thee, 
I come and lie down as in the duft before thee* 
" Thou knowefl, O Lord, ail ray fins, and all 
my follies." ( u ) I cannot, and I hope I may fay, 
I. would not, difguife them before thee, or fet 
myfelf to find out plaufible excufes. Accufe me 
Lord, as thou pleafeft, and I will ingenuoufly 
plead guilty to all thine accufations. I will own 
myfelf as great a.finaer as thoucalleft me: But 
I am frill a finner, that comes unto thee for par- 
don. If I muft die, it (hall be fubmitting, and 
owning the juftice of the fatal ftroke. Iflperifh, 
it fhall be laying hold as it were, on the horns 
of the altar ; laying myfelf down at thy foot- 
fcool, though I have been fuch a rebel againft 
thy throne. Many have received a full pardon 
there; have met with favor even beyond their 
hopes. And are all thy companions, O bleifed Je* 
fus, exhaufted ? And wilt thou now begin to reject 
an humble creature, who fries to thee for life, and 

(?) Job xlii. -2. (c) Heb. vii. 25. (u) pfalm !sk, .5. 

mi) 



1 1 £4 Rtfe^ progrefs rf Religion in the SoiiL 

pleads nothing but mercy and free grace ? " Have 
mercy upon me, O rnoft gracious Redeemer, have 
mercy upon me, and let my life be precious in thy 
fight 1" ( v ) O do not refolve to fend me down to that 
ftate of final mifery and defpair, from which it was 
thy gracious purpofe to deliver and fave fo many. 

" Spurn me not away, O Lord, from thy pref- 
ence, nor be offended when I prefume to lay hold on 
thy royal robe, and fay, that " I cannot, and will not 
let thee go, till my fuit is granted !" ( y ) O remember 
that my eternity is at flake 1 Remember, O Lord, 
that all my hopes of obtaining eternal happinefs, and 
avoiding everlafting, helplefs, hopelefs deftruftion, are 
anchored upon thee; : they hang upon thy fmiles, or 
drop at thy frowm O, have mercy upon me, for the 
fake of this immortal foul of mine 5 Or, if not for the 
fake of mine alone, for the fake of many others, who 
may, on the one hand be encouraged by thy mercy 
to me, or on the ether, may be greatly wounded and 
difcouraged by my helplefs defpair ! I befeech thee, O 
Lord, for thine own fake, and for the difplay of thy 
Father's rich and fovereign grace ; I befeech thee by 
the blood thou didrl fhed on the crofs ; I befeech thee 
by the covenant of grace and peace, into which the 
Father did enter v/ith thee, for the falvation of be- 
lieving and repenting fmners, fave me : Save me, O 
Lord, who earneftly defire to repent and believe ; I 
am indeed a fmner, in whcfe final and everlafting" def- 
truftion, thy juftice might be greatly glorified : But 
O, if thou wilt pardon me, it will be a monument 
raifed to the honor of thy grace, and the efficacy of 
thy blood, in proportion to the degree in which the 
wretch, to whom thy mercy is extended, was mean 
and milerable without it. Speak, Lord, by thy 
bleffed Spirit, and banifh my fears. Look upon me 
.with love and grace in thy countenance, and fay to 

(v) * Kings i. I4 t (y) Gen. xxx'u, 36. 



V 



-X 



Rife, pregrefs of Religion in the &>&/. f%$ 

me, as in the days of thy fiefh, thou didft to many an 
humble (uppliant, " thy fins are forgiven thee, go in 
peace.' ' 



^-jg&g*- 



CHAP. XIII, 

The doubting Soul more particularly affifled in its inquiries as 
to the Sincerity of its Faith and Repentance. 

Tranfient imprefficns liable to be miftaken for converlion, which 
would be a fatal error. § I. Genera! fcheme for feif-ex ami nation. § 2o 
Particular inquiries; (i.) What views have there been of fin ? § 3. (2.) 
What views have there been of Chrift > § 4. As to the need the foul has of 
him: § 5. And its willingnefs to receive him with a due furrender of 
heart to his fervice. § 6. Nothing mort of this fuSkient. § ?• The foul 
lubmitting to divine-examination the fmcerity of its faith and repentance, 

5 'i. J_N confequence of all the ferlous things : 
which have been faid in the former chapters, I hope it 
will be no falfe prefumption to imagine, that fome re- 
Jfgious impreflions may be mace on hearts which had 
never felt them before *, or may be revived, where 
they have formerly grown cold and languid. Yet I 
am very fenfible, and I defire that you may be fo, 
how great danger there is of felf-flattery- on this im- > 
portant head; and how neceifary it is to caution men 
againft too hafty a conclufion that they are really con- 
verted, becaufe they have felt fome warm emotion on 
their minds, and have reformed- the grofs irregularities 
of their former conduct.- A niiilake here, might be 
infinitely fatal : It may prove the occafion of that falfe 
peace, which (hall lead a man to ts blefs himfelf in his 
own heart, and to conclude himfelf fecure, while all 
the threatenings and curfes of God^s law are found- 
ing in his ears, and lie indeed dire<l:iy againft him/ ? '' 
( a ) While in the mean time he applies to himfelf a 
thoufand promifes, in which he has no lhare ; whicK 

(a) Deut. xxix, tigtifc 



I36 Rifi> progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

may prove therefore like generous wine to a man in 
an High fever,. or ftrong opiates to one in a lethargy. 
The " ftony ground" received the word with joy, and 
a promifmg harveft feemed to be fpringing up ; yet it 
**foon withered away,"( b ) and no reaper filled his arms 
with it. Now that this may not be the cafe with £cp, 
that all my labors and yours hitherto, may not be 
loft* and that a vain dream of fecurity and happinefs 
may not plunge you deeper in mifery and ruin, give 
me leave to lead you into a ferious inquiry into your 
own heart, that io you may be better able to j-udge 
cf your cafe, and to diftinguifh between what is at 
moffc being only near the kingdom of heaven, and be- 
coming indeed a member of it. 

§ 2, Now this depends upon the fmcerity cf ycur 
faith in Chrifb, when faith is taken in its largeft extent 
as explained above; that is, as comprehending repent- 
ance, and that fteady purpofe of new and univerfal 
obedience, of which, wherever it is real, faith will af- 
inredly be the vital principle. Therefore to affift you 
in judging of your ftate, give me leave to aik you, or 
rather to intreat you toaikyourfelf what views you have 
had, and now have, of fin, and of Chrifl : And what 
your future purpofes are, with regcrd to your con- 
Gtift in the remainder of life, that may lie before ycu ? 
I il13.Il not reafon largely upon the feveral particulars 
I fuggeft under thefe heads, but rather refer ycu to 
ycur own reading and observation, to judge how 
agreeable they are to the word cf God, the great 
rule, by which our characters mufc quickly be tried, 
and our eternal ftite unalterably determined. 

§3. Inquire ferioufly, in the firft place, what 
views you have had of fin, and what fentiments you 
have felt in your foul, with regard to if. There was 
a time, when it wore a flattering rfpeel, and made a 
fair, enchanting appearance, lb that ail your heart was 
charmed with it, and it was the very bufinefs of yen r 

(b) Matt, x'iii. 5, 6. 



Rife^progrcfscf Religion in thsBouh 137 

life to pra&ife it. But you have (ince been undeceiv- 
ed. You have felt it "bite like- a ferpent, and fling 
like an adder." ( c ) You have beheld it with an abhor- 
rence, far greater shan the delight which it ever gave 
you. So far it is welL - It is thus with every true 
penitent, and with feme, I fear, who are not of that : 
number. Let me therefore inquire farther, whence 
arofe this abhorrence I Was it merely from a princi- - 
pie of feif-love ? Was it merely becaufeyou had been 
wounded by it? -Was it merely becaufe you had 
thereby brought condemnation and ruin upon your 
own foul ? Was there no fenfe of its deformity, of its 
bafenefs, of its malignity, as committed againll the 
blefied God, conlidered as a glorious, a bountiful, and 
a merciful Being ? Were ycu never pierced by an ap« 
prehenfiofl of its vile ingratitude? And as for thofe 
purpofes which have arifen in your heart again ft it ? 
let me befeech you to reflect, how they have been 
formed, and how they have hitherto been executed. 
Have-* they been univerf al ? Have they been refolute I - 
And yet, amid all that refolution, have xhey been 
humble ? When you declared war, with fm, was it 
with every fin ? And is it an irreconcileable war, 
which you determine, by divine grace, to puih on till 
you have entirely conquered it, or die in the attempt f 
And are you accordingly active in your endeavors- 
to fubdue and deftroy it? If fo, what are " the fruits 
worthy of repentance which you bring forth ? ,? ( d ) It 
does not, I hope^ all How away in floods of grief 1 
Have you " ceafed to do-evil? Are yei> learning to 
do well V* ( c ) Doth your reformation frieV, that you 
repent of your fins ; or do your renewed relapfes into 
fin prove, that you repent even of what you call your 
repentance ? Have you an inward abhorrence of al] 
fin, and an unfeigned zeal againft it ? And cloth that 
produce a care to guard againft the occasions of it 
and temptations to it? Do you watch againfi the cir! 

<«) Prov. Mill. 3a, (d) Luke Hi, V (0 Ifan U 9$, 17, 

(XII 2) 



138 Rife* pr°g re fe of Religion in the Sou!, 

cumftances that have infnared yon ? And do you par- 
ticularly double your guard againft " that fin which 
molt eafily befets you V\ ( f ) Is that laid afide,' that 
the Chriftian race may be run ; laid aiide, with a 
firm determination that you will return to it no more, 
that you will hold no more parley with it, that you 
will never take another ftep towards it ? 

§ 4. Permit me alfo farther to inquire, what 
your views of Chrift have been : What you think of 
him, and of your concern with him : Have you been 
fully convinced that there muft be a correfpondence 
fettled between him and your foul ? And do you fee 
?nd feel, that you are not only to pay him a kind of 
diftant homage, and tranfient compliment, as a very 
wife, benevolent, and excellent Peribn, whofe name 
and memory you have a reverence for ; but that, as 
he lives and reigns, as he is ever near you, and always 
obferving you, fo you muft look to him, muft approach 
him, muft humbly tranfaft bufinefs with him, and 
that bufinefs of the higheft importance, on which 
your falvation depends ? 

§ 5, You have been brought to inquire, -* where- 
with (hall I come before the Lord, and bow myfeif be- 
fore the moft high God ?" ( g ) And once perhaps yon 
were thinking of facrifices, which _ your own ftores 
might have been fufficient to furnifh out. Are you 
now convinced that they wiil not fuffice ; and that you 
muft have recourfe to " the lamb which Gcd hath' 
provided?" Have you had a view of Jefus "as taking 
away the fin of the world ?" ( h ) as " made a fin of- 
fering for us, though he knew no fin, that we might 
be made the righteoufnefs of God in him ?" ("0 Have 
you viewed him, as perfectly righteous in himfelf ; 
and defpairiog of being juftified by any rigiiteouf- 
nefs of your own, have you " fubmitted to the righ- 
teoufnefs of God ?" ( k ) Has your heart ever been 

(f) Heb. xv, I. (g) Mic. vi. 6. (h) John i, 29. (i)3 Cor, v, %U 
(k) Rom. x, 3, 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, i 39 

brought to a deep conviclion of this important truth, 
that if ever you are faved at all, it muft be through 
Chrift ; that if ever God extend mercy to you at all, 
it muft be for his fake ; that if ever you are fixed in 
the temple of God above, you muft ftand there as an 
ever! filing trophy of that victory which Chrift has 
gained over the powers of hell, who would otherwife : 
have triumphed over you I 

§ 6. Our Lord fays, "look unto me and, be ye fa- 
ved :" He fays, " if I be lifted up, I fliali draw all- 
men unto me." O Have you looked to him, as the • 
only Saviour ? Have you been drawn unto him, by 
that facred magnet, the attractive influence of his 
dying love - ? Do you know what it is to come to 
Chrift, as a poor, w weary and heavy laden firmer* 
that you may find reft?" ( n ) Do you know what it 
is, in a fpiritual fenfe to " eat the fiefh, and drink the 
blood of the fon of man ;" (°) that is, to look upon 
Chrift crucified as the great fupport of your foul, and 
to feel a defire after him, earneft as the appetite of 
nature after its neceiTary food t Have you known 
what it is, cordially to furrender yourfelf to Chrift, as 
a poor creature whom love has made his property ?. 
Have you committed your immortal foul to him, that 
he may purify and fave it ; that he may govern it by 
the dictates of his word, and the influence of his Spi- 
rit ; that he may ufe it for his glory ; that he may 
appoint it to what exercife and difcipline he pleafes* 
while it dwells here in flefh ; and that he may receive 
it at death, and fix it among thofe fpirits, who with 
perpetual fongs of praife furround his throne and are 
his fervants forever ? Have you heartily confented to 
this ? And do you, on this account of the matter, re- 
new your cenfent ? Do you renew it deliberately and 
determinately, and feel your whole foul, as it were 
faying Amen, while you read this? If this be the cafe 5 
then I can with great pleafure give you, as it were, 
CO Ifai. xly, av (m> Johax& 3*. ( n ) Matt, xl, 28. (0) John vi. 53* 



149 &\f*i progrefs cf Religion, in the Sou£ 

the right hand of fellowfnip, and falute and embrace 
you, as a fmcere difdple of ihe Lord Jefus Chrift, as 
one who is " delivered from the power ef darkr.efs, 
and is- tranilated into the kingdom of the Son of God, . 
( p ) I can then falureyouin the Lord, as one. to whom, 
as a minifter of Jefus, I am coramiflioned and charged 
to fpeak comfortably, and to tell ycu, not that 1 ab- 
folveyou from your (ins, for it is a fmall matter to be, 
judged cf man's judgment, but that the blefled God 
himlelf abfolveth ycu ; that ycu are one, to whom he 
hath faid in his gofpel,.. and is continually faying,, . 
"your fins #re forgiven you ;"( q ) therefore go in. . 
peace, and take the comfort of it. 

§ 7. But if you are a ft ranger to thefe experien- 
ces, and to this temper which 1 have now defcribed, j 
the great work is yet undone ; ycu are an impenitent 
and unbelieving firmer, and "the wrath of God 
abideth on you. J; ( r ) However you may have been 
awakened and darmed, whatever refolutions you may 
have formed for amending your life, how right foever 
your notions maybe, how pure foever your forms of 
worihip, how ardent foever your zeal, how fevere 
foever your mortification, how humane foever your 
temp:r, how inolTenfive foever your life may be, I 
can fpeak no comfort to you. Vain are all your re* 
ligious hopes, if there has not been a cordial humilia- 
tion before the prefence of God for all your iins ; if 
there has not been this avowed war declared againft 
everything difpleafmg to God ; if there has not been 
this fenfe of your need of Chrift, and of your ruin 
without him ; if there has not been this earned ap* 
plication to him, this furrender of your foul into his 
hands by faith, this renunciation of yourfelf, that 
you might fix on him the anchor of your hope ; if 
there has not been thisunreferved dedication of your, 
felf to be at all times, and in- all refpects, the faithful 
fervantof God through him ; and if you do not with 

(p) CcJ.i. 23. (l) Luke vii. 48* (") Ma iii. .&* \ 



Rife , progrefs of "Religion in the Soul. 141 

all this acknowledge, that you are an unprofitable fer- 
vanr, who have no other expectation of acceptance, 
or of pardon, but only through his righteoufnefs and 
blood, and through the riches of divine grace in hhn ; 
I repeat it again, that ail your hopes are vain, and. 
you are " building on the faod." ( f ) The houfe you 
have already raifed muft be thrown down to the 
ground, and the foundation be removed and laid 
anew, or you and all your hopes will ihortly be fwept 
away with it, and buried under k in everlaftmg ruin, 

Tbi Soul fubmilting to Divine examination;^ the Jincerity of 'its 
Repentance and Faith, 

" Lord GoJ, thou fearcheft all hearts, and trieS 
the reins of the children of men.* 5 ( c ) -" Search me, O 
Lord, and know my heart ; try me, and know my 
thoughts ; and fee if there be any- wicked way in me, 
and lead me in thi way everlafting." ( u ) Doth not my 
confcien:e, O Lord, tefiify in thy prefence, that my 
repentance and faith are men as have been defcribed^ 
or at leaii, that iris my earned prayer that they may 
be fo ? Come therefore, O thou bleffed Spirit, who 
art the Author of all grace and confoiation, and work 
this temper more fully in my foul ; O reprefent fm to 
mine eyes in all its mpHi odious colours, that I may 
feel a mortal and irreconcileable hatred to it ; O re- 
prefent the majefty and mercy of the bleffed God, in 
iuch a manner, that my heart may be alarmed, and 
that it may be melted : " Smite the rock, that the 
waters may flow;" ( v ) waters of genuine, undhTem- 
Med, and filial repentance: Convince me, O thou 
bleffed Spirit, " of fin, of righteoufnefs, and of judg- 
ment :" ( y ) Shew me, that I have undone myfelf, but 
that ts my help is found in God alone," ( z ) in God 
through Chriit, in whom alone he will extend com- 
panion and help to me: According to thy peculiar of- .. 

(s) Maft. vii,l5. (t) Jer. xvii. 10. (u) Pfalm cxxxix. 2J» 

(v) Pi'aiffiixxviir, ZQ< (y) John xvu £, (t\ Hof. ^iii* 5. 



242 H.\fe>> progrefs ef Religimi in the Soul. 

fice, " take of Chrift, and (hew it unto me :" ( a ) Shew 
me his power to fave ; fhew me his willingnefs to ex- 
ert that power : Teach my faith to behold him, as ex- 
tended on the crofs with open arms, and with a pierc* 
ed, bleeding fide ; and fo telling me in the moft forci- 
ble language, what room there is ia his very heart for 
me ! May I know what ifc is, to have, my whole heart 
fubdued by love ; fo fubdued, as to be . " crucified 
with him ;" ( b ) to be dead in fin, and dead to the 
v/orld, " but alive unto God, through, jefus ChruV* 
( c ) In his pjwer and love may I confide ; to him 
may I v/ithout any refer ve commit my fpirit : His 
image may I bear ; his laws may I obierve; his fer- 
vice may i purfue : And may 1 remain, through time 
and eternity? a monument of the efficacy of his gofc 
pel, and a trr phyof his viftcricus gr?ce. 

" O blefTed "God ! If there be any thing wanting 
towards coniftuting me a fiacere Chriftian, difcover 
it to me, and work it in me. Beat down, 1 befeech; 
thee, every falfe and prefumptucus hope, how coftly 
foever that building may have been which is thus laid 
in ruins,, and how proud foever I may have been of 
its vain ornaments : Let me know the word of my 
cafe, be that knowledge ever fo diftrefsful ; and if * 
there be. remaining danger, O let my heart be fully 
fenfible of it, fenfible while yet there is remedy ! 

" If there be any fecret frn yet lurking in my 
foul, which I have not fmcerely renounced, diicover. 
it to me, and rend it out of my heart, though it 
Ihould have (foot, its roots ever fo deep, and fhould 
have wrapped them all around it, fo that every nerve 
ftiould be pained by the feparation : Tear it away, O 
Lord, by a hand graciouily fevere ; and by degrees, 
yea, Lord, by fpeedy advances, go on, I befeech thee, 
to perfect what is {till "lacking in faith :"( d ) Ac- 
complish in me " all the good pleafure of thy good* 

(a) JohftXYii IJ. 00 F.om.fi. 6. (c) Rom, vi. &• 

C4 X The.!, ili, 10. 



Rife, prcgrefs af Religion in the &»/. 14$ 

fiefs :" ( € ) Enrich me, O heavenly Father, with all 
the graces of thy Spirit : Form me to the complete 
image of thy dear Son: And then, for his fake, 
<; come unto me, and manifeft f hy gracious prefence 
in ray fcul," ( f ) till it is ripened for that ftate of glory, 
for which all thefe operations are intended to prepare 
it. .Amen." 



«S3J3gs= 



C H A P. XIV. 

A more particular view of the fever al Branches of the Chrif 
tian Temper ,- by which the reader may be farther ajjijled 
in judging what he is, and what he fhould endeavor to be* 

The importance of the cafe engages to a more particular furvey, what 
manner of fpirit we are cf. § I, 2. Accordingly the Chriftian Temper is 
-delcribed, (i-) By fome, general views of it, as a new and divinetemper, § 
3. As refembiing that of Chrift, §4. And as- engaging us to be fpiritual- 
ly minded, andto walk by faith. § 5. A plan of the remainder. § 6. Irt 
which the Chriftian Temper is more particularly confidered, (a.-) With 
Tegard to the blefled God ; as including fear, affection, and obedience. § 7. 
Faith and love to Chrift, § 8, 9. joy in him, § 10. And a proper temper to- 
wards the Holy Spirit* particularly as a Spirit of adoption, and of courage, 
§11—13. (3-) With regard to oitffelves; as including preference of the 
loul to the body, humility, purity, § 14. Temperance, §"ij. Contentment, 
§. i6. And patience, § 17. (4.) With regard to our fellow creatures 5 as 
including love, § 18. Meeknefs, § 19. Peaceablenefs, § 20. Mercy, § 31. 
Truth, § 1% % And candor in judging, § 23. (5.) General qualifications of 
each branch, § 24. Suchas fmcerity, § ZJ, Conftancy, § %6. Tendernefs, 
§27. Zeal, § la. And Prudence, §29. Thefe things fhould frequently be 
recollected, § 30. A review of all in a Scriptural Prayer. 

.J i. VV HEN I eonfider the infinite importance 
t of eternity, i find it exceedingly difficult to fatisfy my- 
' felf in any thing which I can.fayto men, where' their 
eternal interefts are concerned. Ilmve given you a 
view, I hope, I may truly fay, a juft, as well as faith- 
ful view, of a truly Chriftian temper already. Yet 

(e) % TheiT. i. 11. (f) J hn*iv. 21— S3. 

* N. B. This Chapter is almoft an abridgment of that excellent 
book of Dr. Evans, intitled, The Christian Temper, fo far as it 
relates to the defcription of it. For -articular arguments to infarct each 
partof this Temper, 1 rovift refer the reader tc the bookitfelf. 



144 Rifei P r0 S re J s tf^Sgion in the Sold. 

for your farther afiiftance, I would offer it to your 
consideration in various points of light, that you may 
be alffiad in judging of what you are, and of what 
you ought to be. And in this I aim, not only at your 
conviction, if you are yet a ftranger to real religion, 
but at your farther edification, if, by the grace of 
God, you are by this time experimentally acquainted 
with it. Kappy will you be, happy beyond expreilion, 
if, as you go on from one article to another, you can 
fay, " This is my temper and chara&er :" Happy in 
no inconfiderable degree, if you can fay, " This is 
what I defire, what I pray for, and what I purfue, in 
preference to every cppofite view, though it be not 
what I have as yet attained, 

§ 2. Search then, and try, "what manner of fpir- 
it you are of.'T) And may he who fearcheth all hearts 
direct, the inquiry, and enable you "fo to judge 
yourfelf, that you may not be condemned of the 
Lord." ( b ) 

§ 3. Know in the general, that if you are a 
•Chriftian indeed, you have been " renewed in the 
fpirit of your mind';" ( c ) fo renewed, as to be regen- 
erate and born again. It is not enough, to have af- 
fumed a new name, to have been brought under fome 
new reftraints, or to have made a partial change in 
fome particulars of your conduct. The change muft be 
great and univerfal. Inquire then, whether you have 
enter rained new apprehenfions of things, have formed 
a practical judgment different from what you former- 
ly did ; whether the ends you propofe, the affections 
which you feel working in your heart, and the o?urfe 
of action to whxhbythofe affections you are directed, 
be on the whole new or old ?* Again, "if you are a 
Chriitian indeed, you are partaker of a divine na- 

(a)Lukeix. $5* (b) 1 Cor. xi. 31, 32. (c) Eph. W. 23. 

* The reader may fee thefe thoughts illuftrated at Urge, J a the three 
fbft of my Sermens on Regeneration* 



Rlfe^progrefs of Religion in the Soui* 14$ 

ture;"( d ) divine in its original, its tendency, and its 
refemblance. Inquire therefore, whether Odd hath 
implanted a principle in your heart, which tends to 
him, and which makes you like him. Search your 
foul attentively, to fee if you have really the image 
there of God's moral perfections; of his holinefs and 
righteoufnefs ; his goodnefs and fidelity ; for " the 
new man is after God created in righteoufnefs and 
true holinefs," ( e ) and " is renewed in knowledge af- 
ter the image of him that created him." ( f ) 

§ 4. For your farther alliftance, inquire whether 
"the fame mind be in you which was aifo inChrift; ,, ( g ) 
whether you bear the image of God's incarnate Son, 
the brightest and faireft refemblance of the Father, 
which earth or heaven has ever beheld : The bleffed'" 
Jefus defigned himfelf to be a model for all his follow* 
ers ; and he is certainly a model moft fit for our imi- 
tation : An example in cur own nature, and in dr-« 
cumftances adapted to general ufe ; an example, re« 
commended to us at once by its fpotlefs perfection, 
and by the endearing relations in which he fiands to 
us, as our maiier, our friend, and our head; as the 
perfon by whom our everlafliog ftate is to be fixed, 
and in a refemblance to whom our final happinefs is to 
confift, if ever we are happy at all. Look then into 
the life and temper of Chrift, as defcribed and illuftra- 
ted in the gofpels, and fearch whether you can find 
any thing like it in your own life. Have you any 
thing of his devotion, love, and refignation to God? 
Any thing of his humility, meeknefs. and benevolence 
to men ? Any thing of his purity and wifdora, his 
contempt of the world, his patience, his fortitude, his 
zeal . ? And indeed all the other branches of the Chrif- 
tian temper, which do not imply previous guilt in the 
perfon by whom they are exercifed, may be called in- 
to illuftrate and affift your inquiries under this head. 
§ r. Let me add, if you are a Chriiiian, you are 

fa) z. Pet, i, 4. (e) Eph. iv. 24. (0 Col, iii. 10, (g) Phil, i/..^ 

(XIII.) 



T-46 Rifei P?°g re f s °f Religion in the Stilt, 

in the mala " fpiritually minded, as knowing, that is 
life and peace ; whereas to be carnally minded is 
death." ( h ) Though you " live in- the flefh, you will 
net war after it ;" (!) you will not take your orders 
and your commands, from it. You will indeed attend 
to its neceffary interefb, as matter of duty ; but it 
will ftill be with regard to another and a nobler inter- 
eii, that of the rational and immortal fpirit. Your 
thoughts, your affections, your purfuits, your choice 
will be determined by a regard to things fpiritual, ra- 
ther than carnal. In a word, you will "walk by 
faith, and not by fight." ( k ) Future, inviuble, and in 
fome fiegree incomprehenfible objects will take up 
your mind. Your faith will act on the being of God, 
his perfections, his providences, his precepts, his 
threatenings, and his promifes. It will act upon 
" Chrift, whom having not feen, you will love and 
honor." ( J ) It will act on that unfeen world, which it 
knows to be eternal, and therefore infinitely more 
worthy of your affectionate regard than any of 
-" thofe things which are feen, and are temporal." ( m ) 

§ 6. Thefe are general views of the Chriftian 
temper, on which I would intreat you to examine 
yourfelf : And now I would go on to lead you into a 
iurvey of the grand branches of it, as relating to God, 
our neighbor, and ourfelves ; and of thofe qualifica- 
tions which mull attend each of thefe branches, fuch 
as fincerity, conftancy, tendernefs, zeal, and prudence. 
And I beg your diligent attention, while I lay before 
you a few hints with regard to each, by which you 
may judge the better, both of your ftate, and your 
duty. 

§ 7. Examine then, I intreat you, the temper of 
you heart, with regard to the blefied God. Do you 
find there a reverential fear, and a fupreme love and 
veneration for his incomparable excellencies, a defire 

k (h) Rom. viii. 6. (i) a Cor. x. 3. (k) 2 Cor, v, 7. (1) 1 PetTiTsT 
(m) a Cor. iv. 18. 



Rife, progrejs of Religknin the Soul j 4 j 

after him as the higheft good, and a cordial gratitude 
towards him as your Supreme Benefactor ? Canyon 
truft his care & Can you credit his teftimony ? Do 
you defire to pay an unreferved obedience to all that 
he commands, and an humble fubmiftion to all the dif- 
pofals of his Providence ? Do you defign his glory as 
your nobleft end, and make it the great buhneis of 
your life to approve yourfelf to him Ms it your gov- 
erning care to imitate him, and " to ferve him in fpir- 
it and in truth ?" ( n ) 

§ 8. Faith in Chrift'I have already defcribed at 
large ; and therefore mall lay nothing farther either 
cf that perfuailon of his power and grace, which is the 
great foundation of it ; or cf that acceptance of Chriit 
under all his characters, or that furrender of the foul 
into his hands, in which its peculiar and diftinguilh- 
ing nature confifb.- • 

§ 9. If this faith in ChrifiV be fmcere, it will tin- - 
doubtedly produce a4ove to him; which will expreis 
itfelf in aife£tionate thoughts of him ; in ftricl: fidelity 
to him ; in a careful obfervation of his charge ; in a 
regard to his fpirit, to his friends, and to his interefts; 
in a reverence to the memorials of his dying love 5 . 
which he has inftituted ; and in an ardent deiire after 
that heavenly world where he dwells, and where he 
will at length "have all his people to dwell with 
him." (°) 

§ to. I may-add, agreeably to the word of God* ; 
that thus believing hvChriff, and loving him, you will 
alfo rejoice in him ; in his glorious defign, and in his 
complete ntnefs to accomplim it, in the promiies of 
his word, and in the privileges of his people. It will 
be matter of joy to you, that fuch a Redeemer has 
appeared in this w r orld of ours ; and your joy for [ 
yourielves will be proportionable to the degree of ' 
clearnefs with which you difcern ycur intereft in hmv, 
and relation to him. 

(n) John iv. 24. (alJohn xvii. 24* 



148 Rtf e -i P ro £ re fe ofReUgion in the Scut, 

§ 11. Let me farther lead you into feme reflec- 
tions on the temper of your heart towards the BiefTed 
Spirit. If "we have not the Spirit of Chrift, we are 
none of his. ,r ( p ) If we are not led by the Spirit of 
God, we are not " the children of God." ( q ) Ycu 
will then, if you are a real Chriftian, defire that you 
*' may be filled with the Spirit ;" ( r ) that you may 
hav€ every power of your foul fubjecT: to his authori- 
ty ; that his agency on your heart may be mere con- 
ftant, more operative, and more delightful. And to 
cherifh thefe facred influences, you will often have re- 
courfe to ferious confederation and meditation : You 
will ab'tain from thofe fins which tend to grieve him : 
You will improve the tender feafors, in which he 
feems to breathe upon your foul ; you will ft rive earn- 
efUy with God in prayer, that you may have him 
4i fhed on you full more abundantly through Jefus 
Chriit •/' (0 Ana you will be defirous to falf in with 
the great end of his muTion, which was " to glorify 
Cnnfc," (0 and to eftablifh his kingdom. _ Ycu will 
defire his influences as the Spirit of adoption, to ren- 
der your acts ofworfhip free and •* affectionate, ycur 
obedience vigorous, your forrow for fin overflowing 
and tender, your refjgnation meek, and your love ar- 
dent ; in a word, to carry you through life and death 
with the temper of a child who delights in his father, 
and who longs for his more immediate prefence. 

§ 12. Once more, if you are a Chriftian indeed, 
you will be defirous to obtain ^e fpirit of courage. 
Amid all that humility of foul to which you will be 
formed, you will wifh to commence a hero in the 
caufe of Chrift, oppefmg with a vigorous refclution 
the ftrongefl efforts of the powers of darknefs, the in- 
ward corruption of your own heart, and all the cut- 
ward difficulties you may meet with in the way of 

(p) Rom, vliu 19- " 00 Rom* viii. 14. (r) Eph. v. x8. (a) Tit. ill. 6. 
(0 Johnxvi. 14. 



Rife, progrefi of Religion in the Soul. 149 

your duty, while in the caufe and in the ftrength of 
Chrift, you go on conquering and to conquer. 

913. AH thefe things may be coniidered as 
branches of godlinefs ; of that godlinefs which is 
" profitable unto all things, and -hath the promife of 
the life which now is, and or that which is to come."( u ) 

§ 14. Let me now farther lay before you fome 
branches of the Chriftian temper, which relate more 
immediately to ourfelves. And here, if you are a 
Chriftian indeed, you will undoubtedly prefer the 
foul to the body, and things eternal to thofe that are 
temporal. Confcieus of the dignity and value of your 
immortal part^ you will come to a firm refolution to 
fecure its happinefs, v/hatever is to be refigned, what- 
ever is to be endured in that view. If you are a re?.! 
Chriftian, " you will be alfo clothed with humility*' 5 
( v ) You will have a deep fenfe of your own imperfec- 
tions, both natural and moral ; or the (hort extent of 
your knowledge ; of the uncertainty and weaknefs of 
your refolutions; and of your continual depend aoce up- 
on God, and upon almoft every thing about you. And > 
efpecially, you will be deeply fenfible of your guilt, 
the remembrance of which will fill you with fhame 
and confufion, even when you have fome reafon to 
hope it is forgiven. This will forbid all haughtinefg 
and inference in your behaviour to your fellow crea- 
tures, it will teach you, under afflictive providences, 
with all holy fubrmilion to <f bear the indignation of 
the Lord, as thofe that know they have finned againft 
him." ( Y ) Again, if you are a Chriftian indeed, you 
will labor after purity of foul, and maintain a fixed 
abhorrence of all prohibited fenfual indulgence. A 
recollection of paft impurities will fill you with frmme 
and grief ; and you will endeavor for the future to 
guard your thoughts and defires, as well as ycur 
words and actions, and to abftain, not only from the 
commiflion of evil, but "from the difcant appearance 

00 r Tim. iv. 8. 00 I Pet. v. 5. (y) MIc. vji. 7. (z) 2 Theft v. 2% 
(XIII 2) 



159 Rifei P ro g re fi tf Region in the S^ul* 

and probable occafions of it ;" ( z ) as confcicus of the 
perfect holinefs of that God with whom you cenverfe, 
and of the " purifying nature of that hope,"( :1 ) which 
by his gofpel, he hath taught you to entertain. 

§ 15. With this is nearly allied that -amiable virtue 
of temperance ; which will teach you to guard againft 
iuch a ufe of meats and drinks, as indifpoies the body 
for the fervice of the foul ; or fiich an indulgence in 
either, as wiiL rob you of that precious jewel, your 
time, or occafion an expence beyond what your cir- 
cumftances will admit, and beyond what will conCit 
with thofe liberalities to the poor, which your relation 
and theirs to God and each other will require. In 
ihort, y~u will guard againft whatever would alienate 
the foul from communion with God, and would di- 
minifh its zeal and activity in his fervice. 

§ 16. The divine philofophy of the blefled Jefus 
will alfo teach you a contented temper. It will mod- 
erate your derires of thofe worldly enjoyments, after 
which many feel iuch an infatiable thirft, ever grow- 
ing with indulgence and fuccefs. You will guard 
againft an immoderate care about thofe things which 
would lead you into a forgecfulnefs of your heavenly 
inheritance. If Providence difappomt your undertak- 
ings, ycu will fubmit. If ethers be more proiperous, 
you will not envy them ; but rather will be thankful 
for what God is pleafed to bellow upon them, as well 
as for what he gives you. No unlawful methods will 
he uled to alter your prefent condition ; and whatever 
it is, you will endeavor to make the beft of it ; re- 
membering, it is what infinite wifdom and goodnefs 
have appointed you, and that it is beyond all compa- 
rifon better than you have deferved ; yea, that the 
very deficiencies and inconveniences of it may con- 
duce to the improvement of your future and complete 
happine r s. 

§ 1 7. With contentment, if you are a difciple of 

(2) 1 rheff. v. ftt. (a) 1 John iii. 3. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Souk 3 5 1 

Ghrift, you will joia patience too, and "in patience, 
will poffjfs your foul." ( b ) You cannot indeed be 
quite infenfibie, either of afflictions or of injuries; but 
your mind will becalm and compofed under them,, 
and fteady in the profecution of proper duty, though 
afflictions prefs, and though your hopes^ your dearett 
hopes and profpeclst e delayed. Patience will prevent haf* 
ty and ram conclufions, and fortify you againft feeking 
irregular methods of relief ; difpofmg you in the mean 
time, till God mall be pleafed to appear for you, to go: 
on Readily in the way of your duty ; " committing, 
yourfelf to him in well doing. 5 ' ( c ) _ You will alfo be 
careful, that " patience may have its perfect work/ 3 
( d ) and prevail in proportion to thofe circumftances 
which demand its peculiar exercife. For mftance,. 
when the fucceflbns of evil are long and various, fa- 
that '" deep calls to deep, and all God's waves and 
billows feem to be going over you one after another; 15 
( c ) when God touches you in the moft tender part ;. 
when the reaions of his conduct to you are quite un- 
accountable ; when your natural fpirits are weak an<i 
decayed ; when unlawful methods of redrefs feem 
near and eafy ; ftill your reverence for the will -of your 
heavmly Father will carry it againfl all, and keep you 
v/aiting quietly for deliverance, in his own time and 
way. 

N. B. If t his Chapter feem too long to be read at once 5 
it may properly be divided here. 

§ 18. I have thus led you into a brief review of 
th? Chriftian temper, with refpect to God and our- 
felves : Fermi- me now to add,, that the gefpel will 
teach you another fetof very important lenbns with 
refpect t v your fellow creatures. They are all fummv 
ed im in this, '^thou (halt love thy neighbor as thy- 
felf\" ( f ) " and- whatfoever thou wculdft,' 5 (that is r 
wlutLever thou couldlt in an exchange of circumf,an* 

(b) Luke xxi 19. (c) 1 Pet. iv. 19. $d) James i. 4, j 

(e) Pfalm siii, 7, (f) Rom ? xiii, 9, 



fp. &if* 9 frogrefs of Religion in the Sbtifi 

ees fairly and reafonably defre) " that others fhould 
do unto thee, do thou likewife the fame unto them." 
(*) The religion of the bleffed Jefus, when it triumphs 
in your fouL will conquer the predominancy of an ir- 
regular fclf-love, and will teach you candidly and ten- 
derly to look upon your neighbor as another felf. As 
you are fenfible cf your own rights, you will be fenfi- 
bh of his ; as ycu lupport your own character, you 
will fupport his. Ycu will defire his welfare, and be 
ready to relieve his neceffity, as you would have ycur 
own confab d by another. You will put the kindeft 
conftru&ion upon his dubious words and actions ; 
yea will take pleafure in his happinefs ; you will feei' 
his diftrefs, in fome mcafure as your own. And moft 
happy will you be, when the obvious rule is familiar 
to your mind, when this golden law is written upon 
your heart ; and when it is habitually and impartially 
confulted by you upon every occafion, whether great 
or fraall. 

§ 19. The gofpel will alfo teach you, " to put on 
meeknef s," ( h ) net only with refpect to God, fubmitt- 
ing to theauth rity cf his word, and the difpofal of 
his Providence, as was urged before, but alfo with re- 
gard to your brethren of mankind. Its gentle inftr ac- 
tions will form you to calmnefs of temper under inju- 
ries and provocations, fo that you may not be angry 
without or beyond ju£ caufe. It will engage you 
to guard your words, led ycu provoke and exafper- 
ate thofe you fhould rather ftudy by love to gain, 
and by tendernefs to heal. Meeknefs will render you 
ilew in ufing any rough and violent methods, if they 
can by any means be lawfully avoided ; and ready to 
admit, and even to propofe a reconciliation, after they 
have been entered into, if there yet may be hope of 
fucceeding. So far as this branch of the Chrifiian 
temper prevails in your heart, you will take care to 
avoid every thing which might give unneceffary of» 

(g) Matti vii. 12. (h) Col. iii. 12. 



Riftfptogftfs of Religion in the SouL 153 • 

fence to others ; you will behave yourfelf in a modeft 
manner, according to your {cation, and it will work, 
both with regard to fuperiors and inferiors 5 teaching 
you duly to honor the one, and not to overbear or 
oppreis, to grieve or infult the other. And in religion 
itielf, it will reftrain all immoderate tallies and hanh 
cenfures ; and will command down that " wrath of 
man, which, inftead of working, fo often oppofes the 
righteoufnefs of God/ 3 ("') ancT fhames and wounds 
that good caufe in which it is boifteroufly and furi- 
oufly engaged. 

§ 20. With this is naturally connected a peaceful 
difpoiirion. If you are a Chriftian indeed, you will 
have fuch a value and effisem for peace, as to endeav- 
or to obtain and preferve it " as much as lieth in you/* 
( k ) as much as you fairly and honorably can. This, 
will have fuch an influence upon your conduct, as to 
make you not only cautious of giving offence, and 
flow in taking it, but earneftly cefirous to regain peace 
as Toon as may be, wnen it is in any meafure broken, 
that the wound may be healed while it is green, and 
before it begins to rankle and feller. And more ef- 
pecially this difpofrtbn will engage you " to keep the 
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (*) with all 
that in a every place call on the name of our Lord Je- 
fus Chrifi: ; ,J C) whom if you truly love, you will al- 
io love all thofe whom ycu have reafon to believe to 
be his difciples and fervants. 

§ 21. If you be yourfelf indeed of that number, 
you will alfo " put on bowels of mercy/' ( n ) The 
mercies of God, and thofe of the bleifed Redeemer^ 
will work on your heart to mould it to fentiments of 
compaffion and generofity, fo that you will feel the 
wants and forrsws of others ; you "will defire to re- 
lieve their neceffities, and, as you have opportunity,, 
you will do good both to their bodies and their fouls ^ 

i. ( ; ) James i, 30, (k) Ram. xii. 18. (1) Epfc. iv. 3. (to) 1 Cor, i. %* 
(n) Col, iii. is, 



r$4 &ife) progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

expreffing your kind affections in fuitable actions.;, 
which may both evidence their (incerity, and render 
them effectual. 

§ 22. As a Chriftian, you will alio maintain truth 
inviolable, not only in ycur folemn teftimonies, when 
confirmed by an oath, but likewife in common cou- 
verfation. You will remember too, that your prom- 
ifes bring an obligation upon ycu, which you are by 
no meaps at liberty to break through. On the whole* 
you will be careful to keep a ftrict correfpondence 
between your words and your actions., in fuch a man- 
ner as becomes a fervnnt- of the God of truth. 

§ 23. Once more, as amid the ftricteft care to 
obferve all the divine precepts, you will full find many 
imperfections, on account of which you will be obliged 
to pray, that c * Gcd would not enter into ftrict judg* 
ment with ycu, as well knowing that in his fight you 
cannot be ju'tirled ;'' (°) "you will be careful not to 
judge others in fuch a manner as mould awaken the ie- 
verity of his judgment againfl yourfelf." ( p ) Ycu will 
tot therefore judge them pragmatically, that is, when 
you have nothing to do with their actions ; nor ralh- 
ly. without inquiring into circumftances ; nor partially* 
without weighing them attentively and fairly ! nor 
uncharitably, putting the worft construction upon 
things in their own nature dubious, deciding upon in- 
tentions as evil, farther than they certainly appear to 
be fo, pronouncing on the ftate of men, or on the - 
whole of their character, from any particular action, 
and involving the innocent with the guilty. There is 
a moderation contrary to all ^ thefe extremes, which 
the gofpd recommends ; and if you receive the gofpel I 
in good earneii into your heart, it will lay the axe to I 
the root of fuch evils as thefe. 

§ 24. Having thus briefly illuitrated the principal 
branches of the Chriftian temper and character, I 
ihajl conclude the reprefentation with reminding yoiii 

0) Pfa'm : Gxiiii* 3. (p) Matt, rii, J, -.a,. 



Rife, progr/s of "Religion in the Souk i 5$ 

of Tome general qualifications, which muft be .mingled 
with all, and give a tincture to each of them ; fuch as 
fmcerity, conftancy, tendernefs, zeal, and prudence. 

§25. Always remember, that fmcerity is the ve- 
ry foul' of true religion. A iingle intention to pleafe 
God, and to approve purfelves. to him, muft animate 
and govern all that we do in it Under the influence 
of this principle, you will impartially inquire into eve- 
ry intimation of duty, and apply to the practice of it 
lb far as it is known to you. Your heart will be en- 
gaged in all you do. Your conduct in private and in 
lecret, will be agreeable to your mofl public beha- 
viour. A fenfe of the divine authority will teach you 
to "efteem all God's precepts concerning all things t© 
be right, and to hate every falfe way." ( q ) 

§ 26. Thus are you " in fimplicity and godly fin- 
cerity to have your converfation in the world." (r) 
And you are alio to charge it upon your foul to be 
"ftedfaft and immoveable, always abounding in the 
work of the Lord." { f ) There muft not only be fome 
ludden fits and ftarts of devotion^ or of fomething 
which looks like it, but religion muft bean habitual 
and permanent thing. There muft be a purpofe to 
adhere to it at all times. It muft be made the ftatedand 
ordinary bufinefs of life. Deliberate and prefump- 
tuous fms muft be carefully avoided; a guard muft 
be maintained againft the common infirmities of life ; 
and faUsof one kind or of another muft be matter of 
proportionable humiliation before God, and muft oc- 
cafion renewed refolution for his fer.vice. And thus 
you are to go on to the end of your life, not difcour- 
aged by the length and difficulty of the way, nor allur- 
ect on the one hand,, or terrified on the other, by all 
the various temptations which may furround and af- 
fault you. Your foul muft be -fixed, on this bans, 
and you are ftill to behave yourfelf as one who knows 

00 Pfalm cxix, izB, (r) z Cor. i. i> (s) 1 Cor. xv, j8 4 



i §6 Rife^progrefs of Religion in the SouL 

he ferves an unchangeable God, and who expects 
from him "a kingdom which cannot be moved. "(*) 

§ 27. Again, fo far as the gofpel prevails in your 
heart, your fpirit wiil be tender, and the ftone will 
be transformed into flefh. You wiil defire that your 
apprehennon of divine things may be quick, ycur af- 
fections ready to take proper imprefnons, your con- 
fcience always eafily touched, and, on the whole, your 
refolutioa pliant to the divine authority, and cordially 
willing to be, and to do whatever God mail appoint. 
You will have a tender regard to the word of God, a 
tender caution againft fin, a tender guard againft the 
fnares of profperity, a tender fubmiffion to God's af- 
flicting hand ; in a word, you will be tender where-, 
ever the divine honor is concerned ; and careful nei- 
ther to do any thing yourfelf, nor to allow any thing 
in another, fo far as you have influence, by which 
God mould be offended, or religion reproached. 

§ 28. Nay, more than all this, you will, fo far as 
true Chrifiianity governs in your mind, exert an 
holy zeal in the fervice of your Redeemer and your 
Fatner. You will "bezealoully affected in every good 
thing," (u) in proportion to its apprehended goodnefs 
and importance. You will be zealous, efpecially to 
correct what is irregular in yourfelf, and to act. to the 
utmoft of your ability for the caufe of God. Nor 
will you be able to look with an indifferent eye on 
the conduct, of others in this view ; but fo far as cha- 
rity, meeknefs and prudence will admit, you will teff- 
ifvyour difapprobation of every thing in it, which is 
dishonorable to God, and injurious to men. And 
you will labor not only to reclaim men from fuch cour- 
ts, but to engage them to religion, and to quicken 
them in it. 

§ 29. And, once more, you will defire to ufe the 
prudence which God hath given you, in judging what 
ic, in prefent circumftances, your duty to God, ycur 

(t) Hsb, xii. 28. (u)Gal. iv- 18, 






Rije 9 prognfi of Religion in the Sotit, 1 57 

neighbor, and yourfelf; what will be, on the whole* 
the mcft acceptable manner of difcharging it, and 
how far it may be moft advantagecufly purfued ; as 
remembering, "that he is indeed the wif eft and the hap- 
pieft man who, by constant attention of thought, dif- 
covers the greateft opportunities of doing good, and 
with ardent and animated refokition breaks through 
every oppofition, that he may improve thofe opportu* 
nities. 

§ 3®. Thisisfuch a view of the Chrifiian temper as 
could conveniently be thrown within fuch narrow lim- 
its; and I hope it may affift many ia the great and 
Important work of feli-examination. Let your own 
oonfcience asfwer, how far you have already attained 
it, and how far you de&e it ; and let the principal 
topics here touched upon, be fixed in your memory 
and in your heart, that you may be mentioning them 
before God, in your daily addreffes to the throne of 
grace, in order to receive from him all necelTary aiTifU 
ance for bringing them into practice, 

..A Prayer, chiefly in Scripture Language? in which the. 

1 feveral Branches ef the Chrifuan Temper are moft briefly 
enumerated^ in the order laid down above, 
" BlefTed God, I humbly adcre thee 3 as the greet 
€C Father of lights, and the giver of every good and 
every per feci: gift." ( x ) From thee, therefore, I feek 
every blelTmg, efpeaally thofe which may lead me to 
tayfelf, and prepare me for the eternal enjoyments of 
thee. I adore thee as " the God who fearches the 
heart, and tries the reins cf the children of men." (y J 
Search me, O God, and know my heart ; try me, 
and know my thoughts : fee if there be any wicked 
way in me, and lead me in the way everlafting-." (4 
" May I kaow what manner of fpirit I am of/' C<> 
and be preferved from miftaken, whore the error 
might be infinitely fatal ! 

*x ) James i, 1% (y) Jer. xvii. to. (z) Pfal. cxxxl*. 23. 24* 
(4) Lulcelx. 5J, 

am 



158 . Rife 9 progrefi of Religion in the SouU 

Mav I, O Lord, " be renewed in the fpirit of my 
mind !"'( b ) " A new heart do thou give me, and a 
new fpirit do thou put within me !" ( c ) Make me par- 
taker of a divine nature j".( d ) and ts as he who hath 
called me, is holy, may I be holy in all manner of con- 
verfation !" ( e ) May " the fame mind be in me which 
was alfo in .Chrift lefus \" ( f 5 and may I " fo -walk 
even as he walked !:' ( s ) Deliver me from being" car- 
nally minded, which is death ;" and make me " fpi- 
ritually minded, fmce that is life and peace !" ( h ) And 
may I, while I pafs through this world of fenfe, " walk 
by "faith and not by fight ;" (') and be " ftrong in faith, 
giving glory to God." ( ! \) 

May " thy grace," O Lord, cc which hath ap- 
peared unto all men,-' and appeared to me with fuch 
glorious evidence and luftre, effectually " teach me to 
deny ungodlinefs and worldly luffs, .and to live fober- 
ly, righteoufly, and godly \" ■(*) Work in mine 
heart that tb godlinefs which is pre Stable unto all 
things ;" ( m ) and teach me by the influences of thy 
blefled Spirit, to " love thee, the Lord my God, 
with all my heart, and with all my foul, and with all 
my mind, and with all my ftrength ?"■ (?) May T 




vice." ( p ) May i entertain the moft faithful and af- 
fectionate regard to thel-lefTed JeTus, thine incarnate 
Son, e * the br'ghtnefs of.thy glory, and the exprefs 
image of thy perfoq !'■ ( q ) Though I have not ^n 
him, may I love him .; and in " him, though now i 
fee him not, vet believing, may I rejoice with joy un- 
fpeakable and .full of glory :" ( r ) And may " the life 
5vhich I live in the flefh," be daily " by the faith of 

(b) Eoh. iv. %$. (c) Ezek. xxxvk 16. (i) a Pet. i. s. 

" fe) I Pet. i. 15. (»)Phil.u, 5. (g) I John ii. 6. 

(h) Rom. viii. 6. (i) f Cor. v. 7. (k) Rom. iv. 20. 

(!) Tit. ii. ii, ia. (m) I Tim. iv. ". (n) Mark xii. 30. 

, 40). -Rom. yj, 33. (p) Rom. xii, 1, (<£■ Hcb. i. G« ( r ) * Pet. i. S. 



Rife, progrcfs of Religion in the Soui. z$g 

the Son of God!" ( r ) May I " be filled with the 
Spirit f (0 and may i " be led by it ;" ( ,J ) andfo may 
it be evident to others, and eipeoially to my own foul, 
that I am a child of God, and an heir of gicry. May 
I ".not receive the fpirit of bondage unto fear, but. 
the fpirit of adoption, whereby I may be enabled to 
Cry, Abba, Father 1" (4 May he work in me as 
" the fpirit of love^ and of power, and of a found 
mind." ( v > that -fo I may;" add to my faith virtue P J " 
( z ) May I " be ftrong and very courageous." ( a ) and 
quit myfelf " like a man, n fK> and like a Chriiiian^ - 
in the work to which I am called, and in that war- 
fare which I had in view when I lifted under the ban- - 
ner of the great Captain of my falvation ! 

Teach me, O ilord,feriouuy to confkler the na- - 
lure of nay own foul, and to fet a fuitable value upon" 
it ! May I " labour, not only," or chiefly, " for the - 
meat that perifheth, but tor that which endureth to 
-eternal life !" ( c ) May I " humble myfelf under thy 
mighty han J," and be "clothed with humility :" ( 4 
decked " with the ornament of a meek and quiet fpirit^. 
which in the fight of God,isof great price !" ( e ) " May 
I be pure in neart, that I may fee God" ( f ) " raoiv 
tifying my members which are on the earth," ( g ) fot 
that " if a right eye offend me, I may pluck it out ;. 
and if a right hand offend me, I may cut it off !" ( h >* 
May I be " temperate in all things," ( l ) " content 
with fach things as I have," ( k ) and inftructed to be 
foin " whatfoever Hate I am 1" ( l ) May " patience alfo 
have its perfect work in me, that I may be" in thaC 
refpect" complete, and wanting nothing !" ( m ) 

Form me, O Lord, i beieech thee, to a pro- 
per temper toward my fellow creatures 1 May I 
6 < love my neighbour as myfelf I" ( n ) and " whatfo, 

(s) Gal. ii. ao. (t) Eph. v. i3. (u) Rom. vlii. 14, (x) Rom. vlii. 15- 

(v) 2 Tim. i. 7. (2.) 2 Pet. i 5. (a) Jofli. i. 7« (b) 1 Cor. xvi. 13* 

(c) Johnvi. 14. (d) I Pet. v. 5. 6. (e) 3 Pet. iii. 4. (i) Mact. v. o. 
(^)Col.iii. 5. (h) Matt. v. 29,30. (i) 1 Cor. ix. 2j, (k) Heb, xHi. 5* 

(!) Phil, iv.Xi. (m)Jara. I. 4. (n) Gal. v, 14,-- 



%^q- Rifes P r °g fe fi °f RcHgim in the Soul, 

ever I would that others fhould do unto me, may I 
alfo do the fame unto them \* % (°) May I " put on 
meeknefs." (p): under the greateft injuries and provoca- 
tions j and/ if it be poflible, as much as liethin me, ,r 
may I " live peaceably with all men & ( q ) May 1 be 
" merciful, as my Father in heaven is merciful I" (*J 
May I "fpeak the truth from my heart ?" ( f ) and 
may I " fpeak it in' love ;" CO guarding againS every 
niftance of a cenforious and malignant difpofition ; and 
taking care not " to judge" feverely, as 1 would " not 
be judged" ( u ) with a feverity, which thou, Lotfc^ 
knoweft, and which mine own confcience knows, I 
ihould. not be able to fupport i 

" I intreat thee, O Lord, to work in me all thcfe 
qualifications of the Ghriftian temper, which may ren- 
der k peculiarly acceptable to thee, and may prove 
ornamental to my profeffion in the world. Renew I 
befeech thee" a right fpirit within me ;" ( x ) make me 
" an I fraelite indeed, in whom there is no allowed 

tuile !'' ( y ) And while I feaft on " Chrift, as my paf- 
)ver facriitced for me,'' may I " keep the feaft with 
the unleavened bread of fincerity and truth. ( z ) Make 
me, I befeech. thee, O thou almighty and unchangea- 
ble God, " iledfaft and immoveable, always abound- 
ing m thy work, as knowing that my labour fhall 
not be" finally " in vain i" ( a ) May" my heart be 
tender,." ( b ) eafily impreffed with thy word and pro- 
vidences, touched with an affectionate concern for 
thy glory, and fenfible of every impulfe of thy Spirit !' 
May I be " zealous for my God/' ( c ) with " a- zeal 
according to knowledge," ( d )and " charity ;" ( c ) and 
teach me in thy fervice, to join " the witdom of the 
ferpent," ( f ) with the boldnefs of the hon, and " the 
innocence of the dove." Thus render me, by thy 
grace, a fhining image of my dear Redeemer ; and at 

<o)Matt. vii. ia. (p) Cot, iii. 12. (q) Rom. xii. 18. (r) Luke vi. j6. 
(s) PfaJ. xv. a. (t) Eph. iv. 15. (u) Matt. vii. I. ( x ) Plal. li. 'o, 
(y)Johni.47« (z)iCor. v. 7.8. (a) I Cor. xv. 58. (b) 2 Kings xxii. 19. 
(c) Nuoh.xxv. 13. (d) Rota. x. a, (e) 1 Cor. xvi. 14, (f) ?4att. x. l6 r 



5g£ 3 progrefs of Religion in the Soul. ' i6i 

length bring me to wear the bright resemblance of 
his holinefs and his glory in that world where he dwells ; 
that I may afcribe everlafting honors to him, and to 
thee, O thou Father of mercies, whofe invaluable 
gift he is, and to thine holy Spirit, through whole gra- 
cious influences I would humbly hope, I may call thee,, 
my Father, and Jefus my Saviour ! Jtmn," 

C HAP. XV. 

The reader reminded h&w much he needs the Ajjijlancc of the 
Spirit of God> to form to the Temper defcribed above y and' 
what Encouragement he has to expetl it. 

Forward refolutions may prove ineffeclual. § I, Yet religion is not to 
be given up indefpair, but divine grace fought. § J. A general view of 
its reality and necefliry, from feafon,- § 3. and Scripture, § 4- The Spirit 
to be fought as the Spirit of Chrift. § 5 ; and in that view, the grejtt 
ftiength of rhe foul, § 6.' The encouragement there is to hope for the 
communication of it. §7. A concluding exhortation to pray fcr it. § 2, An A 
an humble addrefs to God purfuant to that" exhortation* 



$ i. J. HAVE now laid before you a plan of that 
temper and character which the goipel requires, and 
which, if you are a true Chriftian, yen will defire and 
purine. - Surely there is in the very defcripticn of it, 
fome thing which mult powerfully -ftrike every mind,., 
which has any taile for what is truly' beautiful and 
excellent; And I quefiion not, but you, my deaf 
reader, will feel fome imprefTion of it upon your heart- 
You will immediately form fome lively purpoie of en- 
deavoring after it ; and perhaps you may imagine 
you fhall certainly and quickly attain to it. ■ You fee 
how reafonable it is, and what defirable confequences 
neceffarily attend it, and the afpecl: which it bears on 
your prefent enjoyment, and your future hippinefs 9 
and therefore are determined you will a £t accordingly* 
But give me leave ferioufly to remind you hew many- 
there have been (would to God that feveral of the 
mftances had not happened within the compafs of my 
own perfonal obfervation !} .'whofe goodnefs hack 
(XIV 2) 



1 62 Rife^progrefs of Religion m the Soul. 

been " like a raorniag cloud, and the early dew, which 
foon paiTeth away," 0)— There is not room in deal ab- 
solutely to apply the words of Jofhua, taken in the 
moft rigorous fenfe, when he laid to Ifrael, that he 
might humble their too hafty and fanguine refolution*, 
" You can ferve the Lord." ( b ) But I will venture to 
fay, you cannot eafily do it. Alas ! you know not 
the difficulties you have to break through, you know 
not the temptations, which fatan will throw in your 
way ; you know not how importunate your vain' and 
iinful companions will be to draw you back into the 
fnare you may attempt to break ; and above all, ycu 
know not the fubtile artifices which your own corrup- 
tions will pracYrieiipon,in order to recover their domin- 
ion over you. You think the views you now have of 
things will be lading, becaufe the principles and ob- 
jects to v/hich they refer are fo ; but perhaps to-mor- 
row may undeceive you, or rather deceive you anew, 
To-%>rrow may prefent fome trifle in a new crefs, 
which flrifi amufe you into a forget fulnefs of all this ; 
nay, perhaps, before you lie down on your bed, the 
Imprefiions you now feel may wear off. The corrupt 
deiires of your own heart, now perhaps a little char- 
Hied down, and lying as it were dead, may fpring up 
sgain with new violence, as if they had ilept only to 
recruit their vigor ; and if ycu are not fuppcrted by 
a better iirength than your own, this ftruggle for lib- 
erty will only make your future chains the heavier, 
Ihe more fhaineful, and the more fatal. 

§ 2. What then is to be done ? Is the convinced 
£nner to lie down in defpair r to fay, I am an helplefs 
captive, and by exerting myfelf with violence may 
break my limbs fooner than my bonds, and increafe 
the evil I would remove ? God forbid ! You can- 
not, I am perfuaded, be fo little acquainted with 
Chriftianity as not to know that the doctrine of di- 
vine affiftance bears a very confidorable part in it. You 

(a) Hof. Yi. 4. ( b ) J°'&« x * Iy « *9« 



Rife, progrefs of Religion mihe Soul i 63 

have often, I doubt not, read of "the law of the Spi- 
rit of life in Chrift Jefus, as making us free from the 
law of fin and death $" ( c ) and have been told that 
" through the Spirit we mortify the deeds of the 
body :" ( d ) you have read of "- doing all things 
through Chrift- who ftrengtheneth us :" ( e ) whole- 
" grace is fufficient for us, and whofe ftreugth is made 
perfect through weaknefs :" ( f ) Permit me, therefore^ 
now, to call down your attention to this, . as a truth 
of the eleareft evidence, and the utmoft importance. 

§ 3. Reafon, indeed, as well as the whole tenor 
ef Scripture, agrees with this.* The whole created 
world has a nece^ary dependence on. God : from 
him even the knowledge of the natural things is de- 
rived ; ( g ) and ikill in them is to be afcrihed to 
him. ( h ) Much more loudly doesfo great and fo ex- 
cellent a work, as the new forming the human mind, 
befpeak its divine Author. When you confide]; how 
various the branches of the Chriftian temper are, and 
how contrary many of them alio are to that temper 
which hath prevailed in your heart, and governed your 
life in time pa.2, you rauft really fee divine influences 
as neceffaryto produce and nourifh them, as the influ- 
ences of the fun and rain are to call up the variety of 
plants, and flowers 3 and grain, and fruits, by which 
the earth is adorned, and our life fupported. You 
will yet be more feofrble of this, if you reflect, on the 
violent oppofition which this happy work rniift expecl; 
to meet with, of which I (hall prefently warn you 
more largely, and which, if you have not already expe- 
rienced, it milt be becaufe you have but very lately 
began to think of religion. 

§ 4. Accordingly, if you give yourfelf leave to 
confult fcripture on this head, (and if you would live 

(c) Rom. vlii. a. (d) Rom. via. i$ (e) Phth iv, 13. (f) 2 Cor. xii, 9* 
(g) Plal.xciv. 10. (h) ExoA. xxxi. 3 — 6. 

* See many ofthefe thoughts much mors largely illuflratftd ift my 
fttenth ktaiQR en Regeneration. 



i6± Rife, pngrefsof Religion in the Sold. 

like a Chriftian, you muff be confulting it every day r 
and forming your notions and actions by it) you will 
fee that the whole tenor of it teaches that dependence 
upon G cd which I am dow recommending. You 
will particularly fee 5 that the production of religion 
in the foul is matter of divine promife ; that when it 
has been effected, fcripture afcribes it to a divine agen- 
cy, and that the increafe of grace and piety in the 
hearts of thofe who are truly regenerate, is alfo fpoken 
of as the work of God, who begins and carries it on 
until the day of Jefus Chrift," (*) 

§ 5. In confequence of all thefe views, lay it down 
to yourfelf as a molt certain principle, that no attempt 
m religion is to be made in your own firength. If 
ycu forget this, and God purpofes finally to fave you, 
he will humble you by repeated difappointments, till 1 
he teach you better. You will be afnamed of one 
fche t and effort, and of another, till you fettle upon 
the true bafis. He will alfo probably fhow you, not 
only in the general that your ftrength is to be derived 
from heaven ; but particularly, that it is the ofEce of 
the bleffed Spirit to pnrify the heart, and to invigorate 
holy refolutions ; and alfo, that in all thefe opera- 
tions he is to be confidered as the Spirit of Chrifr 3 . 
working under his directions, and as a vital commu- 
nication from him, under the character of the great 
head of the church, the grand treafurer aDd diipen- 
fer of thefe holy and beneficial influences. On which 
account it is called the fupply of the Spirit of jefus 
Chrift, ( k ) who is " exalted at the right hand of the 
Father, to give repentance and remifiion of fins ;" [ l ) 
in " whofe grace alone we can be ftrong," ( m ) and of 
" whofe fulnefs we receive, even grace for grace. " ( B ) 

§ 6. Refolve, therefore, ftrenuoufly for the fer- 
vice of God, and for the care of your foul ; but re- 
folve modeftly and humbly. " Even the youths fhall 

(') Phil. i. 64 (k) Phi), u 19. (I) Aas v. 3*. (in) % Tia. ii 17* 
(n) Jokfl 1. z6. 



$jjk 9 frogrefi of Religion m ihe SouL v6$ 

faint and be weary, and the ycurg men utterly fall ^ 
but they who wait oa the Lord," are the perfcns who 
*' renew their ftrength." (°) When a foil is aim oft afraid 
to declare in the prefence of the Lord, that it will not 
do this or that which has formerly offended him % 
when it is afraid abfolutely to promife that it will 
perform this or that duty with v'gor and conftancy ; 
Sut only exprelies its humble and' earntft defire that 
it may by grace be enabled to avoid the one, or pur- 
fue the other ; then fo far as my obfervation or ex*. 
perience have reached, it is in the bed way to learn the 
happy art to conquer temptation, and of difcharging 
duty. 

jj 7. On the other hand 3 let not your dependence 
upon ttiis Spirit, and your fenfe of your own weak- 
■nefs and infufticiency for any thing fpiritually good 
without his continued aid, difcourap;e you from devo- 
ting yourfelf to God, and engaging in a religious life 9 
confidering what abundant reaion you have to hope 
that thefe gracious influences will be communicated 
to you— The light of nature, at the fame time that it 
teaches the need we have of help from God in a vir- 
tuous courfe, may lead us toujpnclucie, that fa 
benevolent a Being:, who befrap on the molt 
unworthy and carelefs part of mankind fo many blef-. 
imgs, will take a peculiar pleafure in communicating 
to iuch as humbly afk them, thofe gracious affiftances 
which may form their deathlefs fouls into his own re- 
femblance, and fit them for that happinefs to which 
their rational nature is fuited, and for which k was in 
its nrft conftitution intended — The word of God will 
much more abundantly confirm fuch an hope. You 
there hear divine, wifdom crying, even to thofe who 
had trifled with her inftruclions, " turn ye at my re- 
proof, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you." ( p ) 
You hear the apoftle faying, cc Let us come boldly to 
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy ^ 

Co) lfa. xl« 30, 31. (p) Prcv, i. 33, (q) Heb. iv. 16, 



l66 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

and find grace to help in every time of need." ( q ) Yea 
yen there hear our Lord himfelf urging, in this fweet 
and convincing manner, " if ye, being. evil, know how 
to give good gifts unto your children, how much more 
fhall your heavenly Father give his holy Spirit unto 
them that afk him." (5) This gift and promife of the 
Spirit was given unto Chrift, when he afcended up on 
high, in tm2 for all his true difciples. God hath 
" fhed k abroad upon us in him." ( f ) And, I may 
add that the very defire you feel after the farther com- 
munication of the Spirit is the refult of the firft fruits 
of it already giv^n •, fo that you may with peculiar 
propriety interpret it as a fp?cial call, to " open your 
mouth wide that he may (ill it." ( c ) You thirft, and 
therefore you may cheerfully plead that Jefns hath in- 
vited you to come uato him an] drink ; with a pro- 
mife, not only that 4t you (hall drink if you come un> 
to him," but alfo that " out of your belly fhall (low, 
as it were cc rivers of living water," ( u ) for the edifi- 
cation and refrefnment of ethers. 

§ 8. Go forth, therefore, with humble cheerful* 
nefs, to the protecution of all the duties of the Chrif* 
tian life. Go, and prefper " in the ftrength of the 
Lord, making Motion of his righteouihefs, and of 
his only." ( x ) — jfflcf, as a token of further communica- 
tions, may your heart be quickened to the moft ear- 
ner! defires after the blemogs I have now been recom- 
mending to your purfuit ! Slay you be ftirred up to 
pour out your foul before Go 1 in fuch holy breath- 
ings as thefe ' and may they be your daily language 
in his gracious prefence i 
An humble Supplication for the Influence of Divine 

■ Grace, to form, andfiren^then Religion in the SouL 

" BLESSED God ! 1 fincerely acknowledge 
before fee mine own weaknefs and infufflciency for 
any thing that is fpiritually good. I have experienced 

(r) Luke x'u 13. {s) Tit. iii. 6. ft) Pfalm Uxxi. io, (a) John vii, 37; 3&* 
(x) Pfalm Ixxi*i6. 



Rife^prcgrefs of "Religion in the Scut. 167 

it a thaufand times ; and yet my foolilh heart would 
again truft itfelf ; (y) and form resolutions in its own 
ftrength. But let this be the firft fruits of thy gra- 
cious influence upon it, to bring it to an humble dif- 
trull of itfelf, and to a repofe on fhee 1 

v Abundantly do I rejoice, O Lord, in the kind 
affurances which thou giveft me of thy readinefs to 
bellow liberally and richly fo great a benefit. 1 do 3 
therefore, according to thy ccndefcending invitation, 
" come with bcldnefs to the throne of grace, that I 
may find grace to help in every time of need." ( z > I 
mean not, O Lord God, to turn thy grace into want- 
onnefs or perveife^efs," ( a ) cr to make myjweaknefs 
an excufe for my negligence and floth. I confefs thou 
haft already given me more ftrength than I have ufed ; 
and I charge it upon myfdf, and not on thee, thati 
have not long iince received ftill more abundant fup» 
plies. I defire for the future to be found diligent ia 
the ufe of all appointed means; in the neglect, of 
which, I -well know, that petitions like thefe would be 
a profane mockery, and might much more probably 
provoke thee to take away what I have, than prevail 
upon thee to impart more ; but firmly reiblving to ex- 
ert myfelf to the utmoft, I earneftly intreat the com- 
mimical ions of thy grace, that I may be enabled to 
fulfil that reiblution. 

" Be furety, O Lord, unto thy fervant for 
good ?" ( b ) Be pieafed to filed abroad thy fanctifying 
influences on my foul, to form me for every duty 
thou required ! Implant I befeech thee,- ev*ry grace 
and virtue deep in mine heart ; and maintain the 
happy temper in the niidft of thofe aflaulfs, from 
within and from without, to which I am continually 
liable while lam {till in this world, and carry about 
with mefo many infirmities ! Fill my breafl, I befeech 
thee, with good aiteclions towards thee, my God, 
and towards my fellow creatures ? Remind me al- 

(y)Prov. x*iii,s& (2) Heb,.iy s 16, (a) Jude v, 4. (b) Pfalmcxi*»i2S-» 



S £8 i^£, progrefs of Religion in ihe Smt. 

w ysofthyprefence : and may I remember, that every 
lecret fentiraent of my foul is opea to thee! May I 
therefore guard againft the firft rifmgs of fin, and the 
firlt approaches to it ! and that fatan may .not find 
room for his evil fuggeiliocs. I -earneftly beg thcu, 
Lord, wouidft fill my heart by thine hcly Spirit, and 
take up thy refidence there ! " Dwell in me, and 
vfclk with me :" \ c ) and let my body be " the temple 
of the Holy Ghoft !" ( d ) 

" May I be lb "joined to Chrift Jefus my Loro% 
as -to be one fpirit with him," ( e ) and feel his invigo- 
rating influences continually bearing me on, fupe- 
rior to every temptaiion, and to^very corruption ; 
that, while the youths (hall faint and be weary, and 
tae young men utterly fall, I may fo wait upon the 
Lord as to ■* renew my ftrength ;V ( f ) and may go on 
from one degree of faith and love, zeal, and holinefs, 
to another, till I appear perfect before thee in Ziou," 
C g ) to drink in immortal vigor and joy from thee, a§ 
the everlafting fountain of both,'" through Jefus 
Chrift my Lord, in whom I have righteoumefs and 
ftrength/' ( h ) and to whom I defire ever to afcribe 
the praife of all mice improvements in both ! Amen" 

CHAP. XVI. 

Ths Chrijlian Convert warned of\ and animated againft thofe 
Difcouragements which he muji expecl to meet with -entering 
en a Religious courfc. 

Chrift has inftru&ed hisdifdp'ea to ^xpecl oppofition and difficulties in 
the way to heaven. § I Therefore, [1] A more p-articuiar view of them 
is taken, as arifing, (l) From the renoYmders of indwelling fiB, §2. (a) 
From the world and especially from former finful companions, § 3. (3) 
From the temptations and fuggeftions of fatan, § 4. [11] Th*. Cbriiiian 
is animated and encouraged by various •onfiderations to oppcte them $ 
particularly, by— the prefence of God— the aids of Chrift— the example ©f 
others, wh» though feeble -toave conquered— and the crown of glory to be 
fxpe&ed, § 5. 6, Therefore, though spoftacy would be r. finitely fata.', 
thu Chriftian may prefs on cheerfully. § 7. Accordingly the foul, alarmed 
by thefe views, is represented as committing itfeif to God, in ihe prayer 
which concludes the chapter. 

(c) % Cor. vi. i5. (d) 1 Cor. vi. ia. fe) 1 Cor. vi. 17. ' (f) Jf 3 , 4\ 30. 31 ; 
(g) fiaim Ixxaiv. 7. 0) lfa % xi?, 24. 



, prcgrefs cf '-Religion in the Soiih 169 



§ i. W * TH ^ utmcd propriety has our dl- 
Vine Maiier required us to " rlrive to enter in at the 
Unit gate," ( a ) thereby (as it feems) intimating not 
only that the paiTage is narrow, but that it is befet 
with enemies ; befet on the right hand and on the 
left with enemies cunning and formidable. And be 
affured, O reader, that, whatever your circumfiances 
in life are, you muft meet and encounter them. It 
will, therefore, be your prudence to furvey them at- 
tentively in your own reflections, that you may fee 
what you are to expect ; and may conikler in what 
armour it is neceflary you mould be clcathed, and 
with what weapons you mull be furnifhed to man- 
age the combat. You have often heard them mar- 
ih ailed, as it were under three great leaders, the flefh,, 
the world, and the devil ; and according to this dis- 
tribution, I would call you to confider the forces of 
each, as fetting themfelves in array againil ycu. O 
that you may be excited to " take to yourfelf the 
whole armour of God," ( b ) and to " quit yourfelf 
like a man," ( c ) and a Chriftian 1 

§ 2. Let your confcience anfwer whether you do 
not cany about with you a corrupt and a degenerate 
nature ? You will, I doubt net, feel its effects. You 
will feel, in the language of the apoftle, (who fpeaks 
of it as the cafe of Christians themfelves) "the flefh 
! lifting againfc the fpirit,"fo that you will not be able* 
in allinitances ; " to -do the things that you would," 
( d ) You brought irregular prope-nfities into the world 
along with you ; and you have fo often indulged thofe 
fmful inclinations that yen have greatly increafed 
their ftrength ; and you will find, in confequence of 
k, that thefe habits cannot be broken through with- 
out great difficulty. You will, no doubt, often re- 
collect the ftrong figures in which the prophet ciei°- 
cribes a cafe like yours ; and you will own that it is 

(a) Lwke xiii. 24, (b) Eph. vi. 13. (0 1 Cor. xvi, 13. (0) Gal. t. ij a 



i^o Rifes prcgrefs of Religion in the Sad. 

juftly represented by that " of an Ethiopian chang- 
ing his fkia 3 and the leopard his Spots." ( e ) It is in- 
deed pciUble that at firft you may find iu:h an edge 
and eagernefs upon your own fpirits, as may lead you 
to imagine,, that all oppofition will immediately fall 
before you ;_but, e las ! I fear, that in a lhtle time 
thefe enemies, which feemed to te fiain at your feet, 
will revive and recover their v/eapons ; and renew 
the aifauit in one form or another. And perhaps 
your mod painful combats may be with fuch as you 
had thought moil eafy to be vanquished ; and your 
greatest danger may arife from iome of thttfe enemies 
from whom you apprehended the leaft ; particular- 
ly, from pride, and from indolence of fpirit ; from a 
iecret alienation of heart from Gcd, and frcm an in- 
difpofition for converting with him, through an im- 
moderate attachment to things feen and temporal, 
which may be oftentimes exceeding dangerous to 
your falvation, though perhaps they be not absolute- 
ly and univerfally prohibited. In a thcufand of thefe 
inftances y~u muft learn to " deny ycurfelf, or you 
cannot be Chrift's difciple." ( f ) 

$ 3. You mull alfo lay your account to find 
great difficulties from the world ; from its manners, 
cuixoms, and examples. The things of the world 
will hinder you one way ; and the men of the world 
another. Perhaps you' may meet with much lefs 
aSTiftance in religion than you are now ready to ex. 
peel: from good men. The prefent generation of them 
is generally fo cautious to avoid every thing that looks 
like orientation, and there feems Something fo iofup- 
portably dreadful in the charge of enthufiafm, ^ that 
you will find moll of our Christian brethren foraying 
to conceal their virtue and thek piety much more 
than others Study to conceal their vices and their pro- 
faneneis. But while, unlefs your fimaticn be Angu- 
larly happy you meet with very little aid one way. 

(e)-J«r. suit *3. (0 Matthi xvi.,34. 



Rife frogrefs of RtHghn in the Souk 1 7 1 

you will, no dcubr, find great oppofition another* 
The enemies of religion will be bold and active in 
their aifaults, while many of ks friends feem uncon- 
cerned ; and one finner will probably tx'-rt himfelf' 
more to .corrupt you than ten Christians to fecure and 
lave you. They who have once been your compan- 
ions in ilr>. will try a thonfand artful methods to allure 
you back again to their forfaken fociety ; feme of 
them perhaps with an appearance of tender fondnef.: • 
and many more by the almoft irrefutable art of ban- 
ter andridicule ; that boaited teft of right and wrong., 
as- it has been wantonly called, will be tried upon 
you, perhaps without any regard to decency, or even- 
to common humanity. You will be derided and in- 
fulted by thofe whole efleem and afleclaon you natiu- 
rally defire ; and may find much more propriety than 
you imagiae in the expreiTion of the ApoitJe, " Tre 
trial of cruel mockings,"( g ) which fome fear nicie 
than either (word or flames/ This periecution of 
tongue you muft expect, to go through, and perhaps 
may be branded as a lunatic, for no other caufe than , 
that you now begin to exercife your reaibn to pur- 
pale, and will not join with thofe that are defLroy-- 
ing their own ibuls- in their wild career of folly and 
madaeis. 

§ 4.. And ft is not at all improbable, that, in the 
mean time, fatan may be doing his utmoii to difcoiir- 
age and diiirefs you. He will, no doubt, raiie in your 
imagination the moff tempting idea of the gratifica- 
tions, the indulgencies, and the companions,. you are" 
obliged to .forfaktf ; and give yen the mcii difcoura- 
ging and terrifying view of the difficulties, feverities^ 
and dangers, which are (as he will perfuade you) in— 
feparable from religion. He will not fail to reprefent 
God himfelf, the fountain of goodnefs and happinefe r ., 
an hard m after, whom it is impoflible to pleaie. He 
will perhaps fill you with ' the moft diftrefsful fears,. 

U) Heb.xi, 36, 



i 72 Rife, pngrcfs of Religion in the SiuL 

and with cruel and mfolent malice glory over youcas 
his Have, when he knows you are the Lord's freeman, 
Atone time he will ifudy,. by his vile fuggeiiidns, to 
interrupt you 211 your duties, as if they gave him an 
additional power over you : at another time he will 
endeavor to weary you of your devotion, by influ- 
encing you to prolong it to ?.n immoderate and tedious 
leagtfi, left his power mould be exerted upon you 
when it ceafes. In fhort, this praailed deceiver has 
artifices, which it would require whole volumes to 
difphy, with particular cautions agaimi each. And 
he will follow you with malicious arts and puriirhs 
to the very end of your pilgrimage ; and will leave 
lefchod '-^attempted wnich may be likely to wea- 
/our hands, and to ladilen your heart ; that if 
Sgh the ^idous iaterpofiticii of God, he cannot 
prevent your final happmefs, he may at leaft :m. 
your peace and your ulefulaefs as you are palling to it. 
§ 5. This is what the people of G^d feel ; and 
it you feel in <ome degree or other, if you ha>e 
VoU" lot and yoor yordon am^ng them. Bat, aider 
ail, he not dilcouraged : Chrhi is " the Captain of 
your ihlvation." ( h ) it is delightful to confider him 
under this view. When we take a furvey of thefe 
holfo of enemies, we may lift up our read amid 
them ail, and hv, Ci more and greater is he that is 
with us, nan all thofe that are ag'iaft us." O.^Truit 
in the Lord, and you will be like Mount Zion, 
which cannot be moved, but abideth forever." ( k ) 
When your enemies preis upon you, remember you 
are to fight in the preience of God." ( l ) Endeavor- 
ing therefore to act a gallant and refolute pr-rt ; en- 
deavour to M refift them ftedfaftly in the lakh." p 
Remember he can give power to the faint, and " in- 
creafe ftrengih to them that have no might." ( n ) He 
hath done it in tea thoufand inftances already ; and 

(h) Heb. ii. 10. Q) % Kings vi. 16, (k) Pfal. cxxv. 12. 
(1) Zech. juJ. (m) 1 l»ec. v. 9« L( n ) ifa « *'• 2 9- 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 173 ■ 

he will do it in ten thoufand more. Kov/ many 
ftripiings have conquered their gigantic foes in ail their 
moft formidable armour, when they have gone forth 
againff them, though but (as it were) " with a ftalT 
and a fling, in the name of the Lord God of TfrpL** 
(°) How many women and children have trodden 
down the force of the enemy, and" out cfweak- 
nefs have been made flrong. " (?) 

§ 6. Amid all the oppofition of earth and hell, 
look upward and look forward, and you will feel 
your heart animated by^the view. Your General is 
near : he is near to aid you ; he is near to reward 
yen. When you. feel the temptation prefs the hardeft, 
. think of him who endured even the crofs itfelf for 
yourrefcue. View the fortitude of your divine Lea« 
der, and endeavor to march on in his fteps. Hear~ 
ken to his voice, for he proclaims it aloud, " behold I 
come quickly, and my reward is with me : (q) be 
thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown 
of life." O And, O how bright will it thine ! and 
how long will its lufbre laft 1 when the gems that a- 
dorn - the crowns of monarchs, and pafs (inftrudtive 
thought) from one royal head to another through 
Succeeding centuries, are melted down in the laft 
flame, it is, •" a crown of glory ". which fadeth not 
away." (0 ■ 

§ 7. It is indeed true, that " fuch as turn afide 
to crooked paths will be led forth with the workers 
of iniquity," (*) to that terrible execution, which the 
divine juflice is preparing for them ^ and that it 
would have been " better for them not to have 
known the way of righteoufnefs, than after having 
known it to turn afide from the holy commandment. 53 
( u ) But I would, by divine grace, " hope better 
things of you." (*) And I make it my hearty prayer 

(o) I Sam. xvii. 40. 45. (p) Heb. xi. 34. (q) Rev. xxii. IS, 
(r) Rev. n. 10. (s) 1 Pet. v. 4. CO Pfelra. cxjy. 5* 

(u) % Pet. ii. 21. ^ii eb * ?' u * 

(XV 2) 



174 -Rfii progrefs of Religion in the Sou!, 

for you, my reader, that you may be " kept-by the 
mighty power of God," kept as in a garrifon, on all 
fides fortified in the fecureit manner, " through faith 
unto falvaiion." (v) 

The SOUL, alarmed by a Senfe of thefe Difficulties 7 commit- 
ting it [elf to Divine Protection, 

" BLESSED God, it is to thine almighty pow- 
er that I flee. Behold me furroundsd v/ith difficul- 
ties and dangers, and ftretch out thine omnipotent 
arm to fave me. " O thou that faveft by thy right 
band them that put their truft in thee, from them 
that rife up againft them!" (*) This day do I folemnly 
put myfeif under thy protection ; exert thy power 
in my favor, and permit me to " make the fhadow. 
of thy wings my refuge !" ( a ) Let thy grace be fuf- 
ficient for me, and thy ftrength " be made perfect in 
nay weaknefs |" ( b ) 1 dare not fay, " I will never for- 
fake thee : I will never deny thee :" ( c ) but I hope I 
can truly fay, O Lord, I would not do it ; and that, 
according to my prefent apprehenf.on and purpofe, 
death would appear to me much lefs terrible than in 
any wilful and deliberate inftance to offend thee. O 
root out thofe corruptions from my heart, which in. 
an hour cf preiling temptation might incline me to 
view things in a different light, and fo might betray 
ine into the hand of the enemy ! ftrengthen my faith, 
O Lor 3, and encourage my hope ! infpire me with an 
Iieroic refolution" in oppofing every tiling that lies in 
my way ^o heaven ; andletme" fetmyface like a flint,'" 
( d ) againfl ail the afTaults of earth and hell ! "If 
fmners intice me, let me not confent : (*) " if they in* 
fult me," let me not regard it ; ." if they threaten 
me," let me not fear ! rather may an holy and ardent, 
yet prudent and well governed zeal, take cccafion 
from that malignity of heart which they difcover, to 

(y) I Pet. i)..5. C z ) Pfa!- xvii. 7. (a) Pfal. Ivii. i. (b) % Cor* xiL 9. 
tc) Mark iiv. 3$. (< ■) tfaL 2. 7. (e) Prov. i, 10. 



Rife, pr&gre/s of Religion in the Soul. 1 7£ 

attempt their conviction and reformation ! At leaf!, 
let me never be afhamed to plead thy caufe againft 
the moil profane deriders of religion ! make me to 
hear joy and gladnefs in my foul ; and I will endea- 
vor to *' teach tranfgreilbrs thy ways, that Tinners 
may be converted unto .thee !" ( f ) Yea, Lord, while 
my fears continue, though I Ihould apprehend myfelf 
condemned, I am condemned lo righteouily for - my 
own folly, that 1 would be thine advocate though 
againft myfelf. 

" Keep me, O Lord, now, and at all times ! never 
let me think, whatever age or ftation I attain, that I 
am ftrong enough to maintain ^the combat without 1 
thee ! nor let me imagine myfelf, even in this infan- 
cy of religicn in my foul, fo weak, that thou canfb 
not fupport me ! wherever thou leaded me, there let 
me-* olio w : and whatever ftation 'thou appointed: me,, 
there let me labor; there let me maintain the holy 
war againix all the enemies of my falvatioi: 3 and 
rather fail in it, than bafely abandon it 1 

" And thou, O glorious Redeemer, the H Cap- 
tain of my falvation, the great Author and Finifner of 
my faith," ( g ) when I am in danger of denying thee, 
as Peter did, look upon me with that mixture of 
raajefty and teudernefs, ( h ) which may either fecure 
me from falling, or may fpeedily recover me to God 
and my duty again ! And teach me to take occafion, 
even from my mifcarriages, to humble myfelf more, 
deeply for all that has been amifs, and to redouble 
my future diligence and caution ! Amen," 



^^= 



G.H A P. XVII. . 

The Chrijlian urged to, and nfjifted in an exprcfs acl of Belf- 

Dedication to the Service of God* 

■f) Pfal. li. 3, 13, (g) H^ xih %> (h) Luke sxli 6lt 



176 Rfei pngrtfs of Religim in the Sou!. 

The advantages of fuch a furrend er are briefly fuggefted, § i. advices 
for the manner of doiag it ; that it may be deliberate, cheeiful, entire^ 
and perpetual : § Z, 3, 4. and that it be expreffedwith fome affecting fo- 
Jemnlty, § 5. A written inftrument to be figned and declared before God at 
fome iealon of extraordinary devotion, propofed. §6,7, The chapter 
concludes witlva fpecimen of fi»ch an inftrument, together wkh an ab- 
ftradl of it, to be ufed with proper and requifite alterations. 

§ l : jLaJ> I would hope, that notwithftading all 
the views of oppofition which do or may arife, yet in 
consideration of thofe noble: fupports and motives 
which have been mentioned in the two preceding 
chapters, you are heartily determined for the fervice 
of God, I would now urge you to make a folemn 
furrender of yourielf unto it. Do not only form 
fuch a purpofe in 3>mir heart, but exprefsly declare it 
in the divine prefence. Such folemnity in the man- 
ner of doing it is certainly very reafonable in the na- 
ture of things : and furely it is highly expedien f *for 
binding to the Lord fuch a treacherous heart as we 
know our own to be. It jjdll be pleafant to reflect 
upon it, as done at fuch and fuch a time, with fuch 
and fuch circumftances of place and method, which 
may ferve to flrike the memory and the confcience* 
The fenfeof thavows of God which are upon you 
will ftrengthen you in an hour of temptation ; and 
the recollection may alfo encourage your humble bold- 
nefs and freedom in applying to him, under the cha- 
racter and relation of Ck your covenant God and fa- 
ther," as future exigencies may require. 

§ 2. Do it therefore, but do it deliberately* 
Confider what it is that you are to do 9 and confider 
how reafonable it is that it mould be done, and done 
cordially and cheerfully ; " not by conftraint, but 
willingly ." ( a ) for, in this fenfe and in every other^ 
" God bves a cheerful giver/' ( b ) Now, furely there 
is nothing we mould do with greater cheerfulnefs, or 
more cordial confent, than making fuch a furrender 
of ourfelves to the Lord ; to the God who created nSj 

(a) I PcU Y.3, (b) a Cor, ix. 7. 



, progrefs of Religion in tks SouL 1)7 

who brought us into this pleafant and well furniihed 
world, who lupported us in our tender infancy, who 
guarded as iq toe thoughdefs days of childhood and 
youth, who has hitherto con tinuaiiy helped, iuflained, 
and preferVed us. Nothing can "6e more reaibnabie 
than that we mould acknowledge him as our right- 
ful owner and our Sovereign Ruler *, than that we 
fhouid devote cnrlelves to him as our moil gradotis 
Befie(ac1:or,and leek him as our fupreme felicity. No- 
thing can be more apparently equitable than that we, 
the producl of his power, and the price of his Souh; 
blood, fhouid be his, and his forever. If you fee the 
matter in its ju'l view, it will be the grief of your 
(bul that ; on have ever alienated yourfelf from the 
bish- I b is fey vice ; (b far 'will yen be from 

wrlhb<: to conn • ie in th-it fbue of aliena i:n another 
year, or another d ty. You will rejoice io bring back 
to him his revolted creature ; and as you have in times 
pair " yielded your members as imirumenrs of un* 
righteouihefs unto Cm, 5 ' you will delight to yield your- 
selves unto God, " as alive from the dead/' and to. 
employ " your members as the initruments ofrigh- 
teoufnefs unto God/*{ c ) 

§3. The lurrooder will alio be as ertire as it is 
cheerful and immediate. All you are, and all yen 
have, and all you can do, your time, your poffeffions, 
your influence over others, will be devoted to him, 
that for the future it may be employed entirely for 
him, and to h;s glory. You will defire to keep back 
nothing from him ; but will ferioufly judge that you 
are then in the truer!, and nobleft fenfe your own 
when you are moil entirely his. You are aifo, oa 
this great occafion, to refign all that you have to the 
difpoial of his wife and gracious providence ; not on- 
ly owning his power, but confenting to his undoubted 
right, to do what he pleafes with you, and all that he 
has given you ; and declaring an hearty approbation. 

(O y Rom. vl. 23, 



•I yg R{f e i progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

of all that he has done, and of all that he may far- 
ther do. 

$ 4. Once more, let me remind you, that this 
furrencler muit be perpetual. "Y ou miut give your- 
felfup to God, in men a manner, as never more to 
pretend to be your own ; for the rights of God are, 
like his nature, eternal and immutable ; and with re- 
gard to hi s rational creatures, are" the fame ye?;er- 
day, to day, and forever." 

§5. I would further advife and urge.that this de- 
dication may be made with ail pofiible iblemnity. Do 
it m exprefs words. And perhaps it may be in many, 
cafes mo'ft expedient, as many pious divines have re- 
commended, to do it in writing. Set your hand and 
fea] to it. That on fu:h a day of inch a month and' 
year, and at fuch a place, on full eemfideration and 
ferious rerk&ion, you cmie to this happy refolution, 
<c that whatever ethers might do, you would ferve 
the Lord." ( d ) 

§ 6. Such an infbrument you may, if ycupleafe, 
draw upfor yourlelf ; cr if you rather chufe to have 
it drawn up to your hand, you may find ibmething of 
this nature below, in which you may eafily make, 
fuch alterations as (hall fait your circumflances, where 
there is any thing peculiar in them. But whatever 
you ufe, weigh it will, meditate attentively upon it, 
that you may 4i not be rafh with your mouth to utter 
any thing before God." ( e ) And when you deter- 
mine to execute this inftrument, let this transaction 
be attended with fome more than ordinary religious 
retirement. Make it, if you conveniently can, a day 
of fecret fafdng and prayer ; and when your heart is 
prepared with a becoming awe of the Divine Majelly, 
with an humble confidence in his goodneis, and an 
earneit defire of his favor, then prefent yourielf on 
your knees before God, and read it over deliberately 
and folemnly ; and when you have figned it, lay it by 

00 Jo/h. xxiv t 15, (e)Ecdef. v. a. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the SouL 197 

m foms feeure place, where you may review it when- 
ever you pleafe ; and make if a rule with yourfelf to 
review it, if poffible, at certain fealons of the year, 
that you may keep up the remembrance of it. 

§ 7. At Ieaft, take this courie till you fee your 
way clear to the table of the Lord, where you are to 
renew the fame covenant, and to feal it with more 
afTactiag folemnities. And God .grant that you may 
be enabled to keep it, and, in the whele of your con- 
verfalion, to walk according to it ! May it be an an- 
chor to your foul in every temptation, and a cordial 
to it in every affliction ■! may the recollection of it 
embolden your addreffes to the throne of grace now, 
and give additional ftrength to your departing fpirit, 
in a cqnfcioufnefs that it is afcending to your covenant 
God and Father, and to that gracious Redeemer, whofe 
power and faithfulne'fs will leeurely 6i keep what you 
commit to him until that" day. '* ( f ) 

An example of Self- Dedication ; or,aJblemn Form of renew* 
ing oar Covenant with God* 

" ETERNAL and unchangeable Jehovah, thou 
great Creator of heaven and earth, and adorable 
Lord of angels and men ! I defire with the deepen: hu- 
miliation and abafement of foul, to fail down at this 
time in thine awful prefence ; and earneftiy pray, that 
thou wilt penetrate ,my very heart with a fuitable 
fenfe of thine unutterable and inconceivable glories ! 

" Trembling may juftly take held upon me," (~) 
when I, a finful worm, prefume to lift up my head to 
thee, prefume to appear in thy majeftic prefence on 
fuch an occafion as' this. " Who am I, O Lord God, 
cr what is my houfe f" ( h ) What is my nature crde- 
fcent, my character and defert, that I mould fpeak of 
this, and defire that I may be one party in a covenant, 
where thou, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
art the other ? I blufh, and am confounded, even to 

(f) % Tim» i. 1%, (g) Job, xxii 6, (b) % Sara : vii. 18, 



1 80 Rift; progrefs of Religion in the Sen!. 

mention it before thee. But, O Lord, great as is thy 
majefty, fo ajfe is thy mercy. If thou wilt hold con- 
VSrie with any of thy creatures, thy fuperlatively ex- 
alted nature mud ftccp, mult ftccp infinitely low. 
And I know, that in and through Jems, the Son of 
thy love, thou con defcen&eft to viiit fmful mortals, 
and to allow their approach to thee, and their coven- 
ant intercourfe with thee ; nay, I know that the 
fcheme and plan is lhi.ee own ; and that thou haft 
gracioufly lent to propofe it to us ; as none untaught 
by thee, would have been able to fcrm it, or inclined 
to embrace it, even when actually propofed. 

" To thee therefore, do 1 now come, invited by 
the name of thy Sen, and truftmg in his righteoufnefs 
and grace. Laying myfelf at thy feet with mame and 
contuQon of face, and uniting upon my breaft, I fay, 
with the humble publican, " God be merciful to me 
a fianer !" (') I acknowledge, O Lord, that I have 
been a great tranfgreflbr. " Myitis have reached un- 
to heaven. ( k ) and mine iniquities are lifted up unto 
the ikies." (') The irregular propensities of my cor- 
rupted and degenerate nature, have, in ten thoufand 
aggravated reliances, " wrought to bring forth fruit 
unto death." O And if thou ihouldeft be ftrid to 
mark mine oiiences, I mud be filent under a load of 
guilt, and immediately fink into deftriictlon. But then 
haft gracioufly called me to return unto thee, though 
I have been ■ a wandering fiieep, a prodigal fen, a 
backfliding child." ( B ) Behold, therefore, O Lord, I 
I come unto thee. I come, convinced not only of my 
fin, but of my folly. I come, from my very heart 
aihamed of myfelf, and with an acknowledgment in 
the fmcerity and humility of my foul, that "I have 
played the foci, and have erred exceedingly." (°) I am 
confounded myfelf at the remembrance of theie things, 

(i) Luke xvti't. ij, (k) Rev. rviu, 5, (I)Jer. li.9. 

(m)Rcrn. vii J. [u; Jer, , iii.32, (o) 1 Sam. xkv', *i» 



Ri/e, progrefs if Religion in the Soul. 1 81 

but be thou " merciful to my unrighteoufnefs, and do 
not remember agamft me my ims and my tranfgref- 
lions." ( p ) Permit me, O Lord, to bring back ur.to 
thee thofe powers and faculties which I have ungrate- 
fully and facrilegioufly alienated from thy fervice; 
and receive, I befeech thee, thy poor revolted crea- 
ture, who is now convinced of thy right to him, and 
defires nothing in the whole world, fo much as to be 
thine. 

" BleiTed God, it is with the utmoft folemnity 
that I make this furrender of myfelf unto thee. Cfc Hear* 
O heavens, and give ear, O earth, I avouch the Lord 
this day to be my God ; ,? ( q ) and I avouch and de* 
dare myfelf this day to be one of his covenant chil- 
dren and people." tfeir, O thou God of heaven, and 
record it in "the book of thy remembrance," ( r ) that 
henceforth I am thine, entirely thine. I would not 
merely confecrate unto thee fome of ray powers, or 
fome of my poilliiions ; or give thee a certain pro- 
portion of my fer vice's, or all 1 am capable of for a lim- 
ited lime ; but I would be wholly thine, and thine 
forever. From this day do I folemnly renounce all 
the "former lords, which have had dominion over 
rue;" ( f ) every fin, ana every hilt; and bid, in thy 
name, an eternal defiance to the powers of hell, which 
have moft unjuftly ufurped the empire over my foul, 
and to all the corruptions which their fatal temptations 
have introduced into it. The whole frame of my na- 
ture, all the faculties of my mind, and all the mem- 
bers of my body, would I preient before thee thisday,, 
" as a living facriflce, holy and acceptable unto God 9 
which I know to be my moft reafonable fervice." (t) 
To thee I confecrate all my worldly pofleffions, in thy* 
tervice I defire to fpend all the remainder of my time 
i pen earth, and beg thou wouktefr. inflrucl: and influ- 
ence me, fo that, whether my abode here be longer 

V Heb, vul. 12. (cj) Deut. xxvi, 17. '■■_ (r) Mai, Hi. 16, 
(0 lfai. xxvi. 13- (t) Rom. x>i, I, 

am 



, t$2 Rife^prcgrefi of Religion in the SouL 

or fhorter, every year and month, every day and hour, 
may be ufed in iucha manner as (hall moft effectually 
promote thine honor, and fubferve the fchemescf thy 
wife and gracious Providence. And I earneftly pray, 
that whatever influence thou giveft me over others,' in 
any of the fupericr relations of life in which I may 
Hand, or in confluence of any peculiar regard which 
may be paid to me, thou wouldeftgive meftresgth and 
courage to exert myfelf to the utmoft for thy glory ; 
refolving, not only that I will myfelf do it, but that 
all others j fo far as I can -rationally and properly in- 
fluence them, "Ihall ferve the Lord." ( u ) In this courfe, 
O blefledGod, would I fteadilyperfevereto the very 
end of my life ; earn^ftly praying, that every future 
day of it may fupply the deficiencies, aid correct the 
irregularities of the former ; and that I. may by divine 
grace, be enabled, not only to hold on in that happy 
way, but daily to grow more active in it. 

" Nor do I only confecrate all that I am, and 
have to thy fervice; but i alfo moft humbly refgn 
and fubmit to thine holy and fovereign will, myfelf, 
and all that I can ell mine. I leave, O Lord, to thy 
management and direction, all I poilefs, and all I 
wifh ; and Jet every enjoyment and every intereft be- 
fore thee, to be difpoftd of as thou pleafeft. Con- 
. tinue, or remove, what thou haft given me ; beftow 
or refufe what I imagine I want, as thou, Lord, (hall 
fee good : And though I dare not fay I will never re- 
pine, yet I hope I may venture to fay, that I will la- 
bor, not only to fubmit, but to acquiefce ; not only 
to bear what thou doeft in thy moft afflicting difpen- 
fations, but to confent to it, and to praife thee for it; 
contentedly refolving, in all that thou appointeft for 
me, my will into thiae, and looking on myfelf as 
nothing, and on thee, O God, as the great Eternal 
-All 3 whofe word ought to determine every thing, and 

(<0 Joih. xxiv, 15. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 1 83 -,• 

whofe goverment ought to be the joy of the whole ra- 
tional creation. 

" Ufe me, O Lord, I befeech thee, as '-iheiiiflru- - 
raent of thy glory, and honor me fo far as, cither by 
doing or fuffering what thou fhalt appoint, to bring 
fome revenue of praife to thee, and of benefit to the 
world in which I dwell ! And may it pleafe thee, from 
this day forward, to number me among " thy pecu- 
liar people, that I may be no morea ftranger and for- 
eigner, but a fellow-citizen with the- faints, and of the 
houfehcld of God. J? (* v ) Receive, O heavenly Father, 
thy returning prodigal ! Waffr me in the blood of thy 
dear Son ; clothe me with his perfect, righteoufnefs ; 
and fane, if y- me throughout by the power of thy 
Spirit ; dertroy, I befeech thee, more and more the 
power of fin in mine heart ; transform me more into 
thine own image, and fafhion me to the refemblance 
of jd us, whom henceforward I would acknowl- 
edge as my teacher " and facrifxce ; my interceHor 
and my Lord ; c mmunicate to me, 1 befeech * 
thee, all needful influences of thy purifying, thy cheer- 
ing, and thy comforting Spirit, and " lift up that light 
of thy countenance upon me, which will put ihs fub- 
limeit joy and gladriefs into my i'c nl. " ( v ) 

" Difpofe my affairs, O God, in a manner which ! 
may be mcfl fubrervient to thy glory end my own 
trueft happinefs ; and when I have done and borne 
thy will upon earth, call me from hence at what time, 
and in what -manner thou-pleafelt ; only grant, that 
in my dying, moments, and in the near-profpecls of 
eternity, I may remember thefe my engagements to 
thee, and may employ my lat en: breath in thyiervice; 
and do thou, Lord, when their -feeft tb e agonies - of 
diuolving nature upon me, remember this covenant too, 
even though I mould then be incapable of recoil edging 
it : Look down, O my heavenly Father, with a pitying 
eye upon thy languifhing, thy dying child; place thine 

(w) Eph. ii, 19. ' (v) Pi'alm iv. 6, 7. 



1 84 Rife) pngrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

everlafting arms underneath me for my fupport ; put 
ffrength and confidence into my departing fpirif, and 
receive it to the embraces of thine everiaiiing love : 
Welcome it to the abodes " of them that fleep in )e- 
fus," ( y ) to wait with them till that glorious day, 
when the bit of thy promifes to thy covenant people 
fhall be fulfilled in their triumphant refurrection, and 
that " abundant entrance, which (hall be adminifter- 
ed to them into that everlasting kingdom," ( 2 ) of 
which thou haft allured them by thy covenant, and, 
in the hope of which, I now lay hold on it, defiring to 
live and to die, as with mine hand on that hope. 

42 And when I am thus numbered among the 
dead, and all the intereiis of mortality are over with 
me forever, if this fclemn memorial mould chance to 
fall into the hands of any fnrvivirg friends, may it be 
the means of making ferious imprefiions on their 
minds ; may they read it, not only as my language, 
but as their own ; and learn to fear the Lord my 
Cod, and with me, " to put their trull under the 
fhadow of his wings" for time and for eternity : And 
may they alfo learn to adore with me, that grace, 
which inclines our hearts to enter into the covenant, 
and condefcends to admit us into it when fo inclined ; 
aicribing with me, and with ail the nations- of the re- 
deemed, to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghofc, 
that glory, henrr and praife, which is fo juftly due tcr 
each divine Per ion, for the part he bears in this illuf- 
tri;uswork. Amen" 

N. B. For the fake ofihofe who may think the preced- 
ing form of felf dedication too long to be tranferibed, (as it is 
probable many will) I have, at the defire of a much eftecmed 
friend, added the folio-wing abridgment of it, which fhould by 
all means be attentively weighed in every clanje before it is 
executed; and any word or phrafe which may feem liable to 
exception^ changed, that the whole heart may confent to it alU 
(y) I ThefT. iv. J4. (0 % Pet, i. II. 



Rife, progrejs cf Religion in the SouL 185 

" ETERNAL and ever-bleffed God! I defire 
to prefent myfelf before thee with the deepest hamili- 
atign and abatement of foul ; fenfible how unworthy 
fuch a fmful worm is to appear before the holy Ma- 
jefty of heaven, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, 
acdefp;cially on fuch an occafion as this, even to 
enter into a = covenant tranfaclion with thee. But the 
fchemeand plan is thine own, Thine infinite conde- 
fceofion hath offered it by thy Son, and thy grace 
hath inclined my heart to accept of it, 

" I come, •. therefore, acknowledging my felf to 
have been a great offender; fruiting on my bread:, 
and faying with the humble publican, " God be mer- 
ciful to me a finner V ■ I come, invited by the name 
of thy Son, and wholly bruiting in his perfect righte- 
cufnefs ; intreaticg, that for his fake, thou wilt be 
merciful to my unrighteoufnefs; and wilt no more re- 
member my fins. . Receive, I befeech thee, thy revolt- 
ed creature, who is now convinced of thy right to 
Mm, and deikes nothing fo much as .that he may be 
thine. . 

" This day do I, with the utmoft folemnity, fur- 
render myfelf to thee.- I renounce all former lords 
that have had; dominion over me, and I confecrate to 
thee oil that fans, and all that I have ; the faculties 
of my mind,, the members of my body, my worldly 
poflellions, my time, and my influence over others ; to 
be all ufed entirely for thy glory, and refolutely em~ 
ployed in obedience to thy commands, as long as thou 
continueft me in life; with an. ardent defireand hum. 
ble resolution , to continue thine through all the end- 
lefs ages-of eternity ; ever holding myfelf in an atten- 
tive pofiure to obferve the firft intimations of thy will, 
and ready to fpnng forward with zeal and joy* to the 
immediate execution of it; - 

" To thy direction alfo I reiign myfelf, and all I 
asa and have, to be difpofed of by thee in fuch a man- 
ner,, as thou lhalt, in thine infinite wifdom. judge , 
(XVI 2) 



2 36 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the SouL 

moft fubfervient to the purpofes of thy glory. To 
thee I leave the management* of all events, and fay 
without referve, " Not my will, but thine be done !? 
Rejoicing wita a loyal heart in thine unlimifed gov- 
ernment, as what ought to be the delight of the wncls 
rational creation. 

" Ufe me, O Lord, I befeech thee, as an inff.ru- 
ment of thy fervlee ! Number me among thy peculiar 
people : Let me be warned in the blood of thy dear 
Son : Let me be clothed with his righteoufnefs ! Let 
me be fanclified^by his Spirit: Transform me more 
and more into his image : Impart to me, through him, 
2 11 needful influences of thy purifying, cheering, and 
comforting Spirit : And let my life be fpent under 
ihofe influence?, and in the l'ght of thy gracious 
countenance, as my Father and Go J : And when 
the foleran hour of death conies, may I remem- 
ber this thy covenant, " well ordered in all things and 
iure, as all my falvation and all my deiire*" ( a ) 
though every other hope and enjoyment is periming : 
And do thou, O Lord, remember it too : Look down 
■with p : ty, O my heavenly Father, on thy languishing, 
dying child : Embrace me in thine cverlafting arms : 
Put ftrength and confidence into my departing fpirit ; 
and receive it to the abodes of them that fleep in Je» 
fus, peacefully and joyfully to wait the accompliih- 
inent of thy ereat promife to all thy people, even 
ihat of a glorious refurrection, and of eternal happi- 
nefs in thine heavenly prefence : And if any furvi.ving 
friend fhould, when I am in the duff., meet with this 
memorial of my folemn tranfactions with thee, may he 
make the engagement his own; and do thou greet* 
eufly admit him to partake in all the blenmgs of thy 
covenant, through Jefus the great Mediator of it ; to 
whom with thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be 
everlasting praifes aicribed, by all the millions who 
are thus faved by thee, and by all thofe other cekftial 

(2) ^Samt.x»iit, J. 



Rife- 9 progrefs of Religion in the SguL 187 

fpirits, in whcfe work and bleiTedneis thcu {halt call 
them to fhare. Anient * 



s^gr^= 



CH AR. XVKT. 

Of entering into Church Communion^ by an attendance upon 
the Lord's Supper* 

The reader, being already fuppo.fed to have entered Into covenant with 
God, § l; Is urged publicly to feal that engagement, at the table of the 
Lord, § a, (i.) From a view of the ends for which that ordinance was 
inftituced, § 3 whence its ufefiilnefs is ftrongly inferred. § 4. And (2>v) 
From the authority of ChrifFs appointment ; which is lakmnly preffed on 
the confeience. § J. Objections from apprehenfions of an unfitnefs. § &f 
Weaknefs of grace, &x. briefly anfwered. § J. Az ieaft, ferious thought- 
fulaefs on this i'ubjeft, is abfoiutely infifted upon. § 8 The chapter h 
doled with a prayer for one who dehres to attend, yet finds himfelf preffed. 
with rem a i -ling doubts* 



I 



HOPE this chapter will find you, by a 
moil exprefs content, become one of God's covenant 
people, folemniy and cordially devoted, to his fe'rvice; 
and it is my hearty prayer, that the covenant you 
have made on earth may be- ratified in heaven. But 
for your farther inftruclion and edification, give me 
leave to remind you, that our Lord jefus Chrjft; hath 
appointed a peculiar manner of expreihng our regard 
to. him, and-of folemniy renewing our covenant with 
him, which,, though it dees not forbid any other pro- 
per way of- doing it, muft by no means be fet afide or 
neglected for any human me'thads,, how- prudent and 
expedient foever they may appear to us, 

§ 2. Onr Lord has wifely ordained, that the ad- 
vantages of fociety fhould be brought into religion; 
and, as by his command, prafeffmg Chriftians afTem- 
ble together for other a&s. of public worfhip, fo he 
has been pleafed' to -inftitute a fecial ordinance, in 
which a whole afTemblyof them is fo come to h:s table, 
and there to eat the fame bread, and drink the fame 
cup. And this they are to do as a token of their afiec- 



1 88 Rife, frcgrefs of Religiofi in the Scuh 

tionate remembrance of his dying love, cf their folerrm 
furrender of themfclyes to God, and of their fmcere 
love to one another, and to all their feibw Ghriftians. 
§ 3. That thele are indeed the great ends of the 
Lord's 8 upper, I fliall not now ft ay to argue at large ; 
you need only r^ad what toe apoftle Paul has written 
in the tenth and eleventh chapters of his firft epiftle 
to the Corinthians to convince- ycu fully of this. He 
there -xprefsly tells us, that our. Lord commanded 
the 4C bread to be eaten, aid the wine f o be drank hi 
remembrance of him," ( a ) or as a commemoration or 
memorial of him; f: that as often as we attend this 
inftitution, "wefhw firth cur Lord's death, which, 
we are to do even until he com .-." ( b ) And it is par- 
ticularly afferted, thatr" the cup is the New Tefta- 
meflt in his blood ;"( c ) t! at is, It is a feal of that co- 
venant w. ich was ratified by his blood. Now it is 
evident, hat in conf-quence of this, we are to ap- 
proach it with a view to that covenant, defiring its 
bfeflings, and refclvmg, by dh-ine grace, to comply 
with its demuids. On the whcl°, therefore, as the 
apoftle fpe ks. we have u communion in the body and 
the blood of ; "Ghrift^ , < d ) and partaking, of his table 
and of his cup, weconverfewiih Chrift, and join our- 
felves ta him as his people ; as the heathens, in their 
idolatrous rites, had communion with their deities, 
and joined themfelves to them ; and the Jews, by 
eating their facriiices, conv^rfed with Jehovah, and 
joined themfelves to him. . He farther reminds them, 
that though many, they were " one bread and one 
body, being all partakers of that one bread," ( e ) and 
being (i all made to drink into one Spirit ;" ( f ) that 
is, meeting together as if they were but one family, 
and joining in the commemoration of that one bloco 4 , 
which was their common ranfom, and of the Lord 
Jefus, their common head. Now it is evident, all 

(a) X Cor. xi, 44i 25. (b) ver. 36. (c) ver. 25. (d) 3 Cor. X. l6, 
{z)l Ccr, x. 17, (0 I Cor. *ii» J.3. 



Rif^progrefs of Religion in ths SouL 1 89 

theie.reafonings are equally applicable- to ChriftiaDS 
in fucceeding ages. Permit me therefore, by the au- 
thority of our divin*- Mafter, to prefs upon you the 
obfervation of this precept. 

§ 4. And let me alfo urge it, from the apparent 
tendency which it has to promote your trueft advan- 
tage. You are fetting out in the Chrifiian life ; and I 
have reminded ycu at large, of the cppofition you 
mult 2Xpsc~b to meet with in it. It is the love of Chrift 
whick muft animate you to break through all, What 
then can be more defirable, than to bear about with 
you a lively fenfe of it ? And what can awaken that 
ienfe more, than the contemplation of his death as 
there reprefented ? Who can behold the bread bro- 
ken, and the wine poured out, and not reflect, how. 
the body of the blefled Jefus was even tern in pieces 
by his fufferings, and his facred blood poured forth 
like water on the ground? Who can think of the heart-, 
rending agonies of the Son of God, as the price of 
our redemption and (alvation, and not feel his foul 
melted with tendernefs, and inflamed with gratefulaf- 
feftion ? Wh-a.t an exalted view doth it give us of the 
bleilings of the gcfpel covenant, when we conlider it 
as eftabliihed in the blood of God's only begotten 
Son? And when we make our approach to God as 
cur heavenly Father, and give up ourfelves to his ferV 
vice in this f oleum manner, what an awful tendency 
has it, to fix the conviction, that "we are not our 
own, being bought wijji fuch a price." ( s ) What a 
tendency has it, to guard us againft every temptation 
to thofe tins which we have To folemnly renounced 3 . 
and to engage our fidelity to him to whom we have 
bound our fouls as with an oath ? Weil may our 
hearts be knit together in-mutual love,( h ) when we 
confiJer ourfelves as " one in Chrift :" (*) His blood 
becomes the cement of the feciety, joins us in fpirir, 
not only to each other, but " to all, that in every 

(g) i-Cor. vi. 19, 20, (h/ Col. ii. 2* (■) Gal. iii. 23, 



rpo R~\f € -> progrefs of Religion in the Sou! M 

place., call upon the name of Jefus Chrift cur Lord, 
bcth theirs and ours ;" ( k ) And we anticipate, inpleaf- 
ing hope, that blefled day, when the afiembly fhall be 
complete, and we' fhall all " be forever with the 
Lord." ( l ) Well may thefe views engage us to u deny 
ourf -.Ives, and to take up ourcrofs to follow cur cru- 
cified Matter :** Cr Well may they engage us to. do 
our utmoft, by prayer, and all ether fuitable endeav- 
ors, to ferve his followers and his friends ; to ferve 
thofe, wh;.m he hath purchased with his blood, and 
who are to be his aiiociates and curs, in the glories of 
an happy immortality, 

§ 5. It is slfo the exprefs innitution and command 
of our bleffed Redeemer^ that the members of fuch 
focieties fhoul.1 be tenderly foliciteus for the fpiritual 
welfare of each other : And that, on the whole, "his 
churches may be kept pure and holy, that they fhculd 
" withdraw, rhemfeives from every brother that walk-, 
eth diforderly.;" ( n ) that they fhould " mark fuch as 
caufe offences or fcandals amongft them, contrary to 
the doclrine which they have learned, and avoid 
them;" (°) that " if any obey not the. word cf Chrift 
by his apoflles ? . they mould have no fellowship or 
communion with fuch, that they may be afhamed ;" 
( p ) that they fhould not eat with fuch as are notori- 
oufly irregular in their behaviour, but on the. contra- 
ry, fhould " put away from among themfelves- fuch 
wicked perfons." ( q ) It is evident, therefore, that the 
inftitution of fuch focieties is greatly for the henor cf 
Chriftianity, and for the advantage of its particular 
profeflbrs. And confequently, every consideration of 
obedience to our common Lord, and of prudent re- 
gard to ©ur own benefit and that of our brethren, 
v/ill require, that thofe who love cur Lord Jefus Chrifc 
in fincerity, mould enter into them, and afTemble 

(k) I Cor. i. z. (!) I Theff. iv. 17. (m) Matt, xvi. 24. 

(n) a ThcQ; in. 6. (o) Rom. xvi. if. (p) S Theff. iil, I4» 

(^ I Cor, v« iio—lj. 



Rife 5 progrjs of Religion in the Soul 191 

among them in thefe their moft foleinn and peculiar 
acts of communion at his table. 

'§ 6. I intreat you therefore, and if I may prefume 
to fay it, in his name, and by his authority, I charge 
it on your confcience, that this precept of our dying 
Lord go not, as it were, for -nothing with you ; but 
that, if you indeed love him, you keep thL°, as 
well as the reft of his commandments. I know, you 
may be ready to form objections. 1 have elfewhere 
debated many of the chief of them at large, and I 
hope, not without fame good effect.* # The great 
queftbn is that, which relates to your being prepared 
Tor a worthy attendance: And in conjunction with 
what has been faid before, I think that may be 
brought to a very fhort ifiue. Have you, fo far as 
you know your own heart, been 'fracere in that delib- 
erate farrender of yourfelf to God through Chrift, 
which I recommended in the former chapter ■? If you 
have, whether it were with, or without the particular 
form or manner of doing it there recommended, you 
have certainly taken hold of the covenant, and there- 
fore have a right to the feal of it. And there is not, 
and cannot be, any other view of the ordinance, in 
which you can have any farther objection to it. If 
you defire to remember Chrifr's death, if you deilre 
to renew the dedication of yourfelf to God through 
him, if you would lift yourHf among his vpeople, if 
you would love them and do them good, according to 
your ability, and, on the whole, would not allow 
yourfelf in the practice of any one known fin, or in the 
omhTioja of one known duty, then I will venture confi- 
dently to fay, not only that yeu maybe welcome to 
the ordinate, but that it was inftituted for fuch as 
you. 

§ 7. As for other objections, a few words may 
fuffice by way of reply. The weaknefs of the relig- 
ious principle in your foul, if it be really implanted 

\* See the- fourth of m? Sermons to Youog Perfo^*, 



192 Rife,prcgrcfs cf Religion in the Soul. 

ther?, is fo far from being an argument againfl your ■ 
feeking fuch a method to ftrengthen it, that it rather 
Itrongly enforces the necefiity of doing it. 1 he neg- 
lect of this folemnity, by fo many that call themfelves 
Chriitians, lliould rather engage you fo much the more 
to difthguifh ycur zeal for an inftitution, in -this ref- 
ped fo much flighted and injured. And as for the 
fears of aggravated guilt in caie of apoftacy, do not 
indulge them. This may, by the divine blefnng, be 
an effectual remedy againii trie evil you fear ; and it 
is certain, that after what you rnuft already have 
known and felt, before you could be brought into 
your prefent fituation, on the fuppcfitions I have now 
been making, there can be no room to think cf a re- 
treat ; no room, even for the wretched hope of being 
lefs miferable than the generality of thofe that have 
perifhed. Your fcheme therefore muft be, to^ make 
your falvation as fure, and to make it as glorious as 
poflible; and I know not any apppointment of cur 
blefled Redeemer, which may have a more comfort- 
able afpecl: upon that bleiTed end, than this which I am 
now recommending to yon. 

$ 8. One thing I would at leaft inHft upon, and 
I fee not with what face it can be denied — 1 mean, 
that you mould take this matter into a ferious con- 
fideration; that you mould diligently inquire, whether 
you have reafon in your conicience to believe, it is the 
will of God you fhould now approach to the ordinance 
or not; and that you fhould continue your reflections, 
your inquiries, and your prayers, till you find farther 
encouragement to come, if that encouragement be 
hitherto wanting. For of this be alTared, that a ftate 
In which you are on the whole unfit to approach this 
ordinance, is a ftate in which you are deltifute of the 
necellary preparations for deatn and heaven ; in which 
therefore, if you would not allow yourfelf to flum- 
ber. on the brink of deitruclion, you ought not to reft 
fo much as one fingle day. ; 



I 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 193 

A Praysr/sr one ivho earnejlly defies to approach U the. 
Table of the Lord, yet has fbrne remaining .Doubts con- 
cerning his Right to that Solemn Ordinance, 

" BLESSED Lord, I adore thy wife and gra- 
cious appointments, for the edification of thy church 
in holinefs and in love. I thank thee, that thou haft 
commanded thy fervants to form themfelves into fo- 
ciettes ; and I ? dore my gracious Saviuur, who hath 
iniiluted, as with his dying breath, the holy fclemnity 
of his fupper, to be through all ages a memorial of 
his dying love, and a bond of that union which it is 
his fovereign pleafure that his people ihouid preferve. 
I hope, thDu, Lord ? art witnefs to the fmcerity, with 
which I defire to give myfelf up to thee ; and that I 
may call thee to record on my foul, that if I now 
hefrtate about this particular manner of doing it, it is 
not becaufe I would allow myfelf to break any of thy 
commands, or to flight any of thy favors. I trufr^, 
thou knoweft that my preient delay arifes only from 
an uncertainty as to my duty, and a fear of profaning 
holy things by an unworthy approach to them. Yet 
furely, O Lord, ifthcu haft given me a reverence for 
thy command, a defire of communion with thee, and 
a willingnefs to devote myfelf wholly to thy fervice, I 
may regard it as a token for good, that thou art dif- 
•pofed to receive me, and that I am not wholly unqua- 
lified for an ordinance, which I fo highly honor, and 
fo earneflly defire. I therefore make it my humble 
requ.ft unto thee, O Lord, this day, that thou wouidft 
graciouily be pkafed to inftrucl: me in my duty, and 
to " teach me the way which I fhould take ! Examine 
me, O Lord, and prove me! try my reins and my 
heart J" O Is there any fecret fin, to the love ancl 
practice of which I would indulge ? Is there any of 
thy precepts, in the habitual breach of which I would 
- allow myfelf? I trufi, 1 can appeal to thee as witnefs^ 

(r) Pialm xxvi. 2. 

(XVII) 



1 94 Rife? pr&grefs if Religion in the Soul 

that there is not. Let me not then wrong mine own 
foul, by a caufelefs and finful abfence from thy facred 
table ! But grant, O Lord, 1 befeech thee, that thy 
word, thy providence, and thy Spirit may fa concur, 
as to a make my way plain before me :" ( f ) Scatter 
my remaining doubts if thou feed they have no juft 
foundation : Fill me with a more allured faith, widi 
a more ardent love ; and plead thine own caufe with 
my heart in fuch a manner, as that I may not be able 
any longer to delay that approach, which, if I am thy 
fervant indeed, is equally my duty and my privilege. 
In the mean time, grant, that it may never be long 
out of my thoughts ; but that I may give all diligence, 
if there be any remaining cccafion of doubt, to re- 
move it, by a more affectionate concern to avoid 
whatever is difpleafing to the e}^s of thine hclinefs, 
and to practife the full extent of my duty : May the 
views of Chrift crucified be fo familiar to. my mind, 
and may a fenfe of his dying love fo powerfully con- 
strain my foul, that my own growing experience may 
-put it out of all quefiion, that I am one ofthofe for 
whom he intended this feaft of love. 

-" And even now, as joined to thy churches in 
fpirit and in love, though not in fo exprefs and inti- 
mate a bond as I could wifh, Would I heartily pray, 
that thy bleffing may be on all thy people ; that 
thou wouldit " feed thine heritage, and lift them up 
forever. " (0 May every Chriftian ibciety fiourifh in 
knowledge, in holinefs, and in love ; may all " thy 
priefts be clothed with falvation, 5 ' that by their means 
thy chofen people may be made joyful. (u) And may 




O Lord, be furnilhed with guefts ?' (*) and may jail 
that " love thy falvation, fay, let the Lord be magm- 

U) P*ov. xv, 19. (0 Pfalm xxviii. 9. (u) Pfalm cxxxii. l<5- 
' <w)]fai.ix. 8. (x) Matt: xxii. 10. 



Rife, pregrefs of Religion in the Soul. i $$ 

fled, who ham pleafare in the profperity of his fef- 
vants." (?) And I earnefdy pray, that all who pro- 
fefs to "have receive J Chrift Jefus the Lord, may be 
ciuly careful to walk in him ; " (*) and that we 
may all be preparing for the general aiTembly cf th,e 
riril-boim, and may join in that nobler and more im- 
mediate worlhip, where all theie types and thadov/a 
mail be laid afide ; where even thefe memorials ihad 
be no longer necerTary, but a living, prefciit Redeemer 
ihall be ihe everlaflmg joy of thoie who here in. his 
ablence have delimited to commemorate his death h 



N. I , < purp.ofed to have added femethiog here., 
concerning a regular approach to the Lord's Table, a Dra- 
per attendance upon it, and [datable reflection's after it, bu£ 
i find this wcik fwells una'er my hand, beyond whan 
I at firft expected ; and therefore, ss theie articles 
have been handled by lb many, valuable writer:, I 
chafe to refer to them, an 1 particularly to Dr. Earls 
Sacramental- Exsrtifa and Mr. Grove's Devotional 'Exer- 
cifis relating to the lord's Supter : Books, which I think 
remarkably excellent in their kind, and which maybe 
had at very ealy rates. YTet far the farther afudduncc? 
cf devout communicants, 1 have feme thoughts cf 
gubliihing a fmaii veluaia of Sacramental Meditations 
on /elect texts of Scripture, if God fpare me to finiih. my .. 
Expqft::n of the Neve Tfament, and fame Other 'pieces • 
which i have now in hand. 

CHAP. XIX. 

Some more particular Diretlions for maintaining continual 
Communion vjith God, or being in his fear all the day long. 

A letter to a pious friend on this iubjeft introduced here, § I. A ge- 
neral pan of directions. § 2. (1 ) For the beginning of the nay: §3,(1.) 
Lifting up the heart to Gad at our rlrft awaking : § 4. (s ) Setting our- 
fcdves tu Lfee fecret rtevoi&ons of the morning 5 with lefpett to whicii-p^i'* 



(y) Pfalm xxxv. 2'/ % 



(z) Qol ii. 6, 



3 'p6 Rye, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

ticuhr^ advices are given. § 5— 10, (IF.) For the p-ogrefs of the day : j§ j ■», 
Directions are given concerning, (1) (eribu feels in devotion. § 12. (2 } Dili- 
gence in b urine Is. §13.(3.) Prudence in recjeations. §14. (4.) Ob- 
iervation of Providences. §15. (5.) Watchfulnefs againft temptations. § 
i5. (6) Dependence on divine influences. §17. (7.) Government of the 
thoughts when in folitude, § 18. (8 ) Management of diicourie in ccinpc:- 
r y« § 1 9< 0±I.) For the conclusion of the day : § 20. (1.) With the fecaet 
devotions of the evening. § 2,1. Directions for felf-ex mination at large. 4. 
2*) 23. (2.) Lying down with a iproper temper. § 24. Conclusion of the 
htter, § 25 » and of the chapter : § 26. With afeiious view of death, pro- 
ber to be taken at the ciofe of the day. 



§ *• JL WOULD hope, that ifpon ferlous con- 
fideration, felf-exjafnmation, and prayer, the reader 
may by this time, be come to a refolution to attend 
the table of the Lor J, and to foal his vows there. I 
will now fuppofe that iblemn tranfacdon to be ever, 
or fomQ other deliberate act to have palled, by which 
he has given himfelf up to the fervice ©f God ; and 
that his concern now is, to inquire how hs may a& 
according to. the vows of God which are upon him. 
Now, for rrs farther "ailiflance here, bdides the gen- 
eral view I have already given cf the Chrirtian tem- 
per and character, I will propofe fome more particular 
directions, relating to maintaining that devout, fpirit- 
ual, and heavenly character, which may, in the lan- 
guage of Scripture, be called " a daily walking with 
Cod, or being in his fear all the day km:;." ( a ) And 
I know not how I can exprefs t):e idea and pi in 
which I have formed of this, in a more clear and dif- 
tincl manner, than I did in a letter, which I wrote 
many years ago,* to a young perfon of eminent piety, 
with whom I had then an intimate friendfnip, and 
who, to the great grief of all that knew him, died a 
few months after he received i f . Yet I hope he lived 
long enough to reduce the directions into practice, 
which I wifn and pray that every reader^ may do, jfq 
far as they may properly fait his capacities and cir- 
cumflances in life, confidering it as if addrefled to 
himfelf. I fay, and defire it may be obferved, that I 

(a) Prov. xx'iu %7> * No B, It was in the yea. %JQ.?< 



Rife y progrefs of Relighn in the Soul, 197 

v/ifn my render may act on thefe directions, fo far as 
they may properly (bit his capacities and circumftan- 
ces in life, for I would be far from laying down the 
following particulars as univerfal rules for all, or for 
any one peribn in the world at all times. Let them be 
pra&ifed by thofe that are able, and when they have 
leifure ; and when you cannot reach them all, come 
as near the moil important of them as you con- 
veniently can. With this precaution, I proceed to 
the letter, whic- I would hope, after this previous 
care to guard a^ainft the danger of miftaking it, will 
not difcourage any, the weaken; Chriftian. Let us 
humbly and cheerfully do our beft, and rejoice that 
we have fo gracious a Father, who knows all our in- 
firmities, and fo companionate an High Prieft, to re- 
commend to divine acceptance, the feebleft efforts of 
fmcere duty and love. 

My Dear Friend, a 

Since ) *; delire my thoughts in writing, and at 
large, on the lubjecT of our late converfation, viz.— * 
4t By what particular methods in our daily conduct, a 
life of devotion and ufefulnefs may be moil: happily- 
maintained and fecured"— I fet myfelf with cheerful- 
nefs 3 to recollect and digeft -the hints which I then 
gave you; hoping it may be of fome fervice to you in 
your molt important interefts ; and may alfo fix on 
my own mind, a deeper fenfe of my obligations, to 
govern my own life by the rules I offer to others. I 
■efteem attempts of this kind among the pleafanteft 
fruits, and the fureft cements of friendfhip ; and, as I 
hope ours will Iatt forever, I, am perfuaded a mutual 
care to cherifti fentiments of this kind, will add ever- 
lading endearments to it.- 

§ 2. The direcldons you will expect from me on 

this occafion, naturally divide themfelves into threa 

heads. How we are to regard God — in the begin*. 

ning— the progrefs— and the clofe of the day* I will 

(XVII 2)- 



198 Rife) progrefs of Religion in tfo SouL 

open my heart freely to you with regard to each, and 
leave you to judge, how far thrfe hints may fuit your 
circumfiances ; aiming at leaft, to keep between the 
extremes of a fuperiiitious fbriclnefs in trifles, and of 
an indolent reraiimefs, which, if admitted in little 
things, may draw after it criminal neglects, and at 
leng h yet more criminal indulgences. 

§3. (I.) In thebeghni/.g of the day, it fhould 
certainly be our care to lift up our hearts to God as 
foon as we wake, and while we are w :ng ; and then 
to fet ourf elves fenouily and immediately to the fecret 
devotion of the morning. 

§ 4. For the firft of thefe, it feems exceedingly 
na'.ural. There are fo many things that may fuggeit 
a great variety of pious reflections and ejaculation: , 
which are fo obvious, that one would think a ferious 
mind could hardly mifs them. The eafe and cheer- 
fulnefs of our mhids at our firfl awakening; the re- 
frefhment we find from fleep ; the fe ^ ity we have 
enjoyed in that defencelefs ftate; tl u provifion of 
warm and decent apparT ; the cheerful light of the 
returning fun ; or even (whet it is not unfit to men- 
tion to you) the contrivances of art, taught and fur- 
niftied by the great Auther of all our conveniences, 
to fupply us with many ufeful hours of life in the ab- 
fence o f the fun ; the hope of returning to the dear 
icciety of pur friends ; the profpedr of upending an- 
other day in the feivice of God, and the improvement 
of. our own minds ; and above all, ins lively hope of 
a joyful refurrec~t : on to an eternal day of nappinefs 
and glory : Amy of thefe particulars, and many more 
which I do not mention, may furnifn us wi.h matter 
of pleaUng reflection and cheer ful^praife, while we are 
rifing. And for our farther afhfbnce, v/hen we are 
alone at this time, it may not be improper to -fpeak 
fometimes ro ourfelves, and fometimes to our heaven- 
ly Father, in the natural expreilions of joy and thank- 
iuiiiefs. Permit ms, Sir, to add 2 that if we find our 



Rife, prcgrfs of Religion in the Soul. 199 . 

hearts in fuch a frame at our rlrft awakening, even 
that is juft matter of praife, and the rather, as per- 
haps it is an anfwer to the prayer with which we lay- 
down. 

§ ft For the exercife of fecret devotion in a morn- 
ing, which I hope wilF generally be cur firit work,. I 
cannot prefcribe an exact, method to another, Yon 
mufr, my dear friend, confult your own taiie in fome 
meafure. The conftituent pans of the fervxe are in 
the general plain. Were I to propofe a particular mo- 
del for thofe who have half or three quarters of an hour 
at command, which, with prudent conduct,! fuppofe 
moil may have, it fhould be this — 

§6. To begin the Hated devotions of the day 
with a folemn ace of praife, offered to God on cur 
knees, and generally with a low, yet diflinft voice ; 
acknowledging the mercies we have been reflecting on 
while riling ; never forgetting to n-n' ion Chrift, as 
the great foundation of all our enjoyments and our 
hopes, or to return thanks for the influences of the 
bieffed Spirit, which have led our hearts to God, or 
are then engaging us to feek him. This, as well as 
other offices of devotion afterwards mentioned, muft 
be done attentively and fincerdy ; for not to offer our 
praifes heartily, is, jn -the fight of God, not to praife 
him at all. This addrefs of praife may properly be 
concluded with -an exprefs renewal of our covenant 
with God, declaring cur continued, repeated refclu* 
tion of being devoted to him, and particularly of liv- 
ing to his glory the enfuing day* 

§ 7. It may be proper, after this, to take a prof- 
peel of the day before us, To far as we can probably 
forefee in the general, where and how it may be fpent; 
and ferl ufly to reflect, cs how fhall I employ myfelf 
for God this day ? What bunnefs is to be done, and 
in what order? What opportunities may I expect 
either of doing, or of receiving good f What tempta- 
tions am I like to be aflaulted with 3 ia any place. 



2QO Rife, progrefs of Religion in the SqziL 

company, or circumftance, which may probably oc- 
cur ? In what inftances have I lately failed ? And how 
mall I be fafeft now ?" 

§ 8. After this review, it will be proper to offer 
up*a (hort prayer; begging, that God would. quick- 
en us to each of thefe forefeen duties ; that he would 
fortify lis againit each of thefe apprehended dangers >$ 
that he would grant us fuccefs in fuch or fuch a buS- 
nefs* undertaken for his glory ; and alfo, that he 
would help us to difcover and improve unforefeen op- 
portunities ; to reiili: unexpected temptations, and to 
bear patiently, and rdigiouflyy any afflictions which 
may furprize us in the clay on which we are entering. 

§9. I would advile you after this 3 to read fome 
portion of Scripture ; not a great deal, nor the whole 
bible in its courfe ; but fome felecl: Jeilons out of its 
moft ufeful parts, perhaps ten or twelve verfes ; not 
troubling yourfelf much about the exact, connection*, 
or other critical niceties which may occur, though at 
other times I would recommend them to your inquiry, 
as you have ability and opportunity ; but, confider- 
mg them merely in a devotional and a practical view, 
Here take fuch inftructions as readily prefent them- 
felves to your thoughts, repeat them oyer to your own 
confcience, and charge your heart religioufly to oh~ 
ferve them, and act upon them, under a feme of the 
divine authority which attends them. And if you 
pray over the Jubilance of this fcripture, with your 
bible open before you, it may imprefs your memory 
and your heart yet more deeply, and may form you 
to a copioumefs and variety, both of thought and ex- 
preflidn in prayer. 

§ 10. It might be proper to dole thefe devotions 
with a pfalm or hymn ; and I rejoice with you, that 
through the pious care of Dr. Watu^ and fome other 
facred poets, we are provided with fo rich a variety 
for the affiftance of theclofet and family on thefe oc~ 
eafions, as well as for the fervice of the fanctuary. 



Rije, progrcfs of Religion in the Soul. lot 

§ ii. (F.I.) The moil material directions which 
have occurred to me, relating to the prrgrefs of the 
day, are tr-ele— That we be fericus m the devotions 
of -he day — that we be diligent in the bufmefs of it, 
that is>-in the profecmicn of our worldly callings— that 
we be tempi-rate and prudent in the recreations of it— » 
that we carefully remark the Providences of the day — 
that we cautioufly guard againft the temptations of 
it — that we keep up a lively and humble dependence 
upon the divine influence, fuitable to every emergen- 
cy of it— that we govern cur thoughts well in the ib- 
luude of the day — and our difccurfes well in the con- 
verfations cf.it. Thefe, Sir, were the heads cf a fer- 
man, which ycu lately heard me preach on this cc- 
caiion, and to which 1 know you referred in that re- 
quest which I am now endeavoring to anf wer. ! will 
therefore touch upon the moft material hints which 
fell under each of rliefe particulars. 

§ 12. (i.) For ferioufnefs in devotion whether 
public or domicile : Let ns take a few moments, be- 
fore we enter upon fuch falemnities, to paufe, and re- 
flect on the perfections of the God we are addrefling, 
on the importance of the_ bufmefs we are coming 
about, on the pleafure and advantage of a regular and 
devout attendance, and on the guilt and folly of an 
hypocritical formality. When engaged, let us main- 
tain a ftricl watchiumefs over cur own fpirits, and 
check the ftrli wanderings of thought ; and when the 
duty is over, let us immediately reflect on the manner 
in which it has been performed, and ailc our own con- 
fciences, whether we have reafon to conclude, that we 
are accepted of God in it : For there is a certain man- 
ner of going through thefe offices, which our owa 
hearts will immediately tell us, it is impoffible for God 
to approve ; and if we have inadvertently fallen into 
it, we ought to be deeply humbled before- God for it s 
left " our very prayer become fis.' 3 ( b ) 

(b) Pfaimcix, 7. 



%<Xl Rifes P ro S re f s °f Religion in the SyuL 

§ 13. (2,) As for the hours of worldly buj&aefs ; 
whether it be, as with yen, that cf-the hands; or 
whether it be the labor of a learned life, not immedi- 
ately relating to religions matters: Let us let to 
the prefeeution of it with a fenfeof God's authority, 
and with a regard to his glory. Let us avoid a dream- 
ing, iiuggifh, indolent temper, which nods over its 
work, and does only the bufmefs of one henir in two- 
or three. In oppofition to this, which runs through 
the life of forne people, who yet think they are never 
idle, let us endeavor to diipitch as much as we well 
can in a little time ; considering, that it is but a little 
we have in all. And let us be habitually fenfible ex 
the need we have of the divine blefiiug, to make our 
labors fuccefsfuL 

§ 14. (3.) For feafons of- diver iion : Let p.s take 
care that our recreations be well chofen ; that they 
be purfued with a good intent ion , to fit us for a re- 
newed application to the lahcrs of life; and thus, that 
they be only ufed in {coordination to the honor of 
God, the great end cf all our actions. Let us take 
heed that our hearts be net estranged from God by 
them, and that they do net take up too much cf our 
time ; always remembering, that the faculties of hu- 
man nature, and the advantages of ti e Chriftian rev- 
elation, were not given us in vain ; but that we are 
always to be in purfuit cf ibm? great and honorable 
end, and to indulge curfelves in amu Cements and di- 
versions no farther, than as they make a part m a 
fcheme cf rational and manly, benevolent and pious 
conduct. 

§ 15. (4.) For the obfervation of Providences :lt 
will be ufeful to regard the divine interpofition in onr 
comforts and in our afflictions : In our comforts, 
whether more common, or extraordinary.; that- we 
fi id curfelves in continued health ; that we are fur- 
niflied with food for fupperi and pleafure ; that we 
have fo many agreeable ways of employing cur time ; 



Rije, prcgrcfs of Religion in the Soul. 203 

that we have fo many friends, and thofe To good, and 
fo happy ; that our biiynefs goes on profperoufly ; 
that we go out and come in fafely ; and, that we en- 
joy compofure and cheerfukefs of fpirit, without 
which nothing elfe could be enjoyed: All thefe fhould 
be regarded as Providential f.ivors, and due acknowl- 
edgments fhould be made to God on thefe accounts, 
as we pafs through fuch agreeable fcenes. On the 
other hand, Providence is to be regarded in every dis- 
appointment, in every lofe, in every pain, in every ia_- 
itance of unkindnefs From thofe who have pr.fefTed 
friendfhip ; and we fhould endeavor to argue curfelves 
into a patient fubmiilkn, from this configuration, that 
the hand of God is always mediately, if not immedi- 
attly, in each of them ; and that if they are not prop- 
erly the work of Providence, they are at leafr. under , 
its direftion. It is a reflection which we mould parti- 
cularly make with relation to thofe little crofs acci- 
dents, as we are ready to call them, and thofe infirm- 
ities and fellies in the temper and conduct of our in- 
timate friends, which may elfe be ready to difcompofe 
us. And it is the more neceffary to guard our minds 
here, as wife and good men often iofe the command 
of themfelves on theie comparatively little occ?fions ; 
who, calling up reafon and religion to their aiTiftance, 
ftand the f hock of great calamities with fortitude and 
refolution. 

§ 16. (5;.) For watchfulnefs again ft temptations : 
It is necenary, when changing our place, or our em- 
. ployment, to reflect, " what fnares a*. tend me here? 5 * 
And as this fhould be our habitual care, fo we fhould 
efpecially guard againft thofe fnares which in the 
morning we forefaw : And when w T e are entering on 
thofe circumftances in which we expected the aflault, 
we fhould reflect, efpecially if it be a matter of great 
importance, " now the combat. is going to begin; now 
God and the bleffed angels are obferving what con- 
stancy, what fortitude there is in my foul, and how 



204 Rije 9 prcgrcfi of Religion in the Soul. 

far the divine authority, and the remembrance of my 
own prayers and refolutions, will weigh with me, 
when it comes to a trial" 

§ 17, (6.) As for dependence on divine grace and 
influence, it mud be univerfal ; and free we always 
need it, we muft never forget that neceflity. A mo- 
ment fpent in humble, fervent breathings after the 
communications of the divine affiftance, way do more 
good, than many minutes fpent in mere reafoning : 
And though indeed this ihould nor be neglected, fuice 
the light oFreafcnis a kind of divine illumination; 
yet. frill n ought to be puriued in a due fenfe of our 
dependence on the " Father of lights," or where we 
think Gurfelves wiled, we may become " vain in our 
imaginations." ( c ) ' Let us therefore always call upon 
God ; and fay. for inffcmce, when we are going to 
pray, Lord 'fix my. attention ; awaken my holy affec- 
tions, and "pour out upon me the Spirit of grace and 
of fupplication." ( d ) When taking up the bible, or 
any other good book, " open thou mine eyes, that I 
may behold wondrous things out of thy law :" ( e ) En- 
lighten my understanding ; warm my heart; may my 
good resolutions be confirmed, and all the courfe of 
my life in a proper manner regulated. When addreiT- 
ing ourfelves to any worldly bufmefs, " Lord, profper 
thou the work of mine hands upon me," ( f ) and give 
thy blefling to my hcneft endeavors. When going 
to any kind of recreation, Lord blefs my refrefh- 
ments ; let me not forget thee in them, but ftill keep 
thy glory in view. When coming into company, Lord, 
may I do, and get good ; " let no corrupt communi- 
cation proceed out of my mouth, but that which is 
good to the ufe of edifying, that it may minifler grace 
to the hearers." ( s ) W f hen entering upon difficulties, 
Lord, give that Cc wifdom which is profitable to di- 
rect." ( h ) " Teach me thy way, and lead me in a 

(c) Rom. i. 21, 22. (d) Zed?, xii. 10. (e) Pfalm cxix. 18. 
(0 Pfalm xc. 17. <g) Eph, iv. 29. (*>) Ecclef. x, to* 



&*£, progrefs of Religion, hi the SeuL 205 

plain path." (') When encountering with temptations, 
'*" let thy ftrength, O gracious Redeemer, be made 
perfect in my weaknefs." ( k ) Thefe inftanoes may 
illuftrate the defign of this direction, though they be 
far from a complete enumeration of all the circurniian- 
ces in which it is to be regarded. 

§ 18. (7.) For the government of our thoughts in 
folitude: Let us accuftom ourfelves, on all -occafions, 
to exercife a due command over our thoughts ; let us 
take care of thofe entanglements of paflicn 5 and thole 
attachments to any preient intereft and view, which 
would deprive us of our power over them ; let us fet 
before us fome profitable fubject of thought ; fuch as, 
tlie perfections of the bleiTed God, the love of Chrift* 
the value of time, the certainty and importance of 
death and judgment, and of the eternity of happinefs 
or mifery which is to fellow. Let us alfo at fuch in- 
tervals, reflect on what we have obferved, as to the 
ftate of our own fouls, with regard to the advance or 
decline of religion ; or on the laft fermon we have 
heard, or the laft portion of Scripture we have read. 
You may perhaps, in this connection, Sir, recollect 
what I have, if I remember right, propofed to you in 
converfation ; that it might be very ufsful to' feleet 
fome one verfe of Scripture, which we had met with 
in the morning, and to treafure it up in our mind, re- 
folving to think of that at any time when we are at a 
lofs for matter of pious reflection, in any intervals of 
leifure for entering upon it. This will cften be as a 
fpring, from whence many profitable and delightful 
thoughts may arife, which perhaps we did not before 
fee in that connection and force. Or if it mould not 
be fo, yet I am perfuaded it will be much better to re- 
peat the fame Scripture in cur mind an hundred times 
in a day, with feme pious ejaculation formed upon it, 
than to leave cur thoughts at the mercy of all thofe 
various trifles which may ctherwife intrude upon us ^ 

(;) Pfalm .jutvii. n. (k) % Cor. xii. 9s, 

(XVIII) 



z 266 Rife, progrefi of Religion in the Soul, 

the variety of which will be far from making amends 
for (heir vanity. 

$ 19. (8.) Lafriy, for the government of our dif- 
ccurfe in company : We fhould take great care, that 
nothing may efcape us, which can expofe us, or our 
Chriftian profefiIon,to cenfure and reproach ; nothing 
Injurious to thofe that are. abfent, cr to thofe that are 
prefent ; nothing malignant, nothing infmcere ; noth- 
. ing which may corrupt, nothing which may provoke, 
nothing which may mifiead «thofe about us. Nor 
fhould we, by any means be content, that what we 
fay is innocent ; it ihould be our defire that it may be 
edifying to ourfelves and others. In this view, we 
ihould endeavor to have Come fubject of ufeful dif- 
courfe always ready ; in which we may be aflifted by 
the hints given, about furniture for thought, under the 
former head. We fhould watch for decent opportu- 
nities of introducing ufeful reflections ; and if a pious 
friend attempt to do it, we fhould endeavor to fecond 
it immediately. When the ccnverfation does not turn 
directly on religious fubjects, we fhould endeavor to 
make it improving fome other way ; we fhould reflect 
on the character and capacities of our company, that 
we may lead them to talk of what they underfrand 
fceft, for their difcourfes on thofe fubjects will proba- 
bly be moft pleafmg to themfelves, as well as moft 
ufeful to us : And in paufes of difcourfe, it may not 
be improper to lift up an holy ejaculation to God, that 
his grace may affift us and our friends in our endeav- 
ors to do good to each other ; that all we fay and do, 
may be worthy the character of reafonable creatures 
and cf Chriflians. 

§ 20. (III.) The dire&ions for a religious clofing 
of the day, which I mail here mention, are only two. 
Let us fee to it, that the fecret duties of the evening 
be well performed ; and let us lie down on our beds 
is a pious frame. 

£ si. (i>) For fecret devotion in the evening, I 



fflfei progrefi of Religion in the Soul, Zof* 

would propofe a method fomething different from that 
in the morning; but frill, as then, with due allow- 
ances for circumftances, which may make unthought 
of alterations proper. I mould, Sir, advife to read a 
portion of Scripture in the firft place ? with fui table re- 
jections, and prayer, as above ; then to read a hymn 
or pfalm ; after this, to enter on felf-examination, to 
be followed by a longer prayer than that which fol- 
lowed reading, to be formed on this review of the 
day. In this addrefs £o the throne of grace, it will 
be highly proper, to intreat that God would pardon 
the omiffions and offences of the day ; to praife him 
for mercies temporal and fpiritual ; to- recommend 
curfelves to his protection for the enfuing night, with 
proper petitions for others, whom we ought to bear " 
upon our hearts before him, and particularly for thole 
friends with whom we have converted or correfponde;! 
in the preceding day. Many other concerns will oc- 
cur, both in morning and evening prayer, which I 
have not here hinted at; but I did not apprehend., 
that a full enumeration of thefe things belonge J, by 
any means, to our preient put pole, 

§ 22.' Before I quit this head,. I mull take the lib- 
erty to remind- you, that felf-examination is fo im- 
portant a duty, that it will be worth our while to 
ipend a few words upon it, and this branch of it is to 
eaiy, that when we have proper queitions before us 9 . 
any perfon of a common understanding may hope to 
go through it with advantage, under a divine bleiling; . 
1 offer you therefore the following queries, which I 
hope you will, with fuch alterations as you may judge 
requisite, keep near you for daily ufe. Did I awake 
as with God this morning, and rile with a grateful 
fenfe of his goodr.efs ? How were the Tecret devotions 
of the morning performed? Did I offer my folemn 
praifes, and renew the dedication of myfelf to God^ . 
with becoming attention and fuitable affections ? Did -■ 
1 lay my fcheme for the bufinefs of the day wifely 



2o3" Rife) f ro g re f s of Religion in ihe oouh 

and well ? How !did I read the Scripture, and any 
ether devotional or practical piece, which I might af- 
terwards conveniently review ? Did it do my heart 
goo:\ or was it mere amufement ? How have the other 
flared devotions of the dayhesn attended, whether in 
the family or in public ? Have I purfued the common 
huGnefs of this day with diligence and fpirituality ; 
doing every thing in feafon, and with all convenient 
difpatch, and Ci as unto the LordV ; ( l ) What time 
navel loft this day, in the morn>ig, or forenoon, in the 
af tea noon, or the evening, (for thefe divifions will af- 
fi (J your recollection) and what has occafioned the iofs 
of it ? With what temper, and under what regula- 
tions, have the recreations of this day been purfued ? 
Have I feen the hand of God in my mercies, health, 
cheei fulnefs, food, clothing, books, preservation in 
journies, fuccefs of bufmefs, converfation and kind- 
nets of friends, &c. ? Have I hen it in afflictions, and 
particularly in little things which had a tendency to 
vex and difquiet me ? And with regard to this inter- 
pcfitioD, have I received m'y comforts thankfully, and 
my afflictions fubmiilively ? How have I guarded agamfr. 
the temptations of the day, particularly againft. this or 
that temptation, which I forefaw in the morning? 
Have I maintained an humble dependence on the di- 
vine influences ? Have I Ci lived by faith in the Son of 
Goc," C) and regarded Chriitthis day, as my teacher 
and governor, my atonement and interceffcr, my ex- 
ample and guardian, my ftrength and fore-runner ?— 
Have I been locking forward to death and eternity 
this day, and coniidered myfelf as a probationer for 
heaven, and through grace, an expectant of it ? Have 
I governed my thoughts well, efpecially in fuch or 
fuch an interval of folitude? How was my fubje<rt of 
thought this day chofen, and how was it regarded f 
Have I governed my difecurfes well, in fuch and men 
company ? Did I fay nothing pafiionate, mifchievous^ 

(1) Col. iil, 23» (m) Gal. ii. 20. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 200 ■ 

Ilanderous, imprudent, impertinent ? Has my heart 
this day been full of love to God, and to all man- 
kind ; and have I fought, and found, and improved 
opportunities of doing, and getting good ?— With 
what attention and improvement have I read the fcrip^' 
ture this evening ? How was f elf-examination perfor- 
med the laft night ; and how have I profited this day 
by any remarks I then made on former negligences 
and miftakes? With what temper did I thm lie down., 
and compofe myfelf to fleep ?" 

§ 23. You will eafily lee. Sir, that thefe queftions 
are fo adjuf fed, as to be an abridgment of ■ the mofl 
material advices I have given in this letter ; and I 
believe I need not, to a perfon of your under landing, 
fay any thing as to the ufefulnefs of fuch inquiries* 
Confcience will anfwer them in a few minutes ; but if 
you think them too large and particular, you ma^y 
make a itill fhorter abftraft for daily ufe, and referve 
thefe, with fuch obvious alterations as- will then be 
peceifary, for feafons of more than ordinary exact* 
nefs in review, which I hope will occur at leaft once a 
week. Secret devotion being thus performed, before 
drowfmefs renders us unfit for it, the interval betweea 
that and our going to reft muf> be conducted by the 
rules mentioned under the next head- And nothing 
will farther remain to be conndered here. But 

§ 24. (2) The fentiments, with which we ihould 
lie down, and compofe ourfelves to fleep : Now here 
it is obvioufly fuitable to think of the divine good- 
nefs, in adding another day and the mercies of it to 
the former days and mercies of our lives to take notice 
of the indulgence of Providence, in giving us commo- 
dious habitations and eafy beds, and continuing to us 
fuch health of body, that 'we can lay ourfelves down 
at eafe upon them, and fuch ferenity of mind as leaves 
us any room to hope for refrefning fleep. A refreflV- 
ment to be fought, not merely as an indulgence to 
animal nature, but as what our wife Creator, in order 
(XVIII 2) 



2 LO Ri/e, pngrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

to keep us humble in the midft of fo many inSrmi- 
ti.es, has been pleafed to make neceffary to our being 
able to purfue his fervice with renewed alacrity. 
Thus may our lleeping, as well as our waking hours, 
be in fome fenfe devoted to God. And when we are 
juii going to refign ourfelves to the image of death, to 
what one of the ancients, beautifully calls its letter 
myfieries, it is alfo evidently proper, to think ferioufly 
of that end of all the living, and to renew thole ac- 
tings of repentance and faith, which we mould judge 
neceilary, if we were to wake no more here. You 
have once, Sir, fesn a meditation of that kind in my 
hand : I will tranfcribe it for you in the poftfcript ; 
and therefore fhall add no more to this head, but here 
put a dole to the directions you dehred. 

§ 25;. I am perfuaded, the molt important of 
them have, in one form or another, been long regar-. 
de:l by you, and made governing maxims of your 
life. I fhall greatly rejoice, if the view of thefe, and 
the examination and trial of the reft, may be a means 
of "leading you into more intimate communion with 
God, and fo of rendering your life more pleafant and 
ufeful, and your eternity, whenever that is to com- 
mence, more glorious. Tnere is not a human crea- 
ture upon- earth, whom I mould not delight to ferve 
in thele important interefts ; but I can faithfully allure 
\ -on, that I am, with particular relpefr, 

Dear Sir 9 

Tour very affectionate friend and Servant* 

§ 26. This, reader, with the alteration of a very 
few- words, is the letter I wrote to a worthy friend, 
(low I doubt not with God) about fixteen years ago : 
And I can affuredly fay, that the experience of each 
of thefe years has confirmed me in thefe views, and 
eilablime J me in the perflation, " that one day thus 
fpent is preferable io whole years of fenfuality, and 
the negleil of religion." I chofe to infert the letter as 
it is, becaufe i thought the freedom and particularity 



Ri/e, progrefs cf Religion in the SmL 2 r i 

of the advice I had given it, would appear moft nam. 
ral in its original form : And as I propofe to ioforce 
thefe advices in the next chapter, I fhall conclude this- 
with that meditation , which I promifed my friend as 
a poftfcript ; and which I could wifhyou to make 
fo familiar to yourfelf, as that you might be able to 
recollect, the fubftance of it, whenever you compofe 
yourfelf to fleep. 

Aferious View of Deaths proper to be taken as %ve lie down, 
on our Beds. 
" O MY foul, look forwards little withferiouf4 
nefs and attention, and " learn wifdom, by the con- 
fideration of thy latter end." ( n ) Another of thy 
mortal days is now numbered and finifhed ; and as I 
have put off my clothes, and laid myfelf upon my 
bed, fcr the repofe of the night ; fo will the day of 
life quickly come to its period, fo muft the body it- 
felf be put off, and laid to its repofe in a bed of dufh 
There let it reft ; for it will be no more regarded by 
me, than the clothes which I have now laid afide. I 
have another far more important concern to attend, 
Think, O my foul, when death comes, thou art to 
enter upon the eternal world, and to be fixed either 
m heaven or in hell. All the fchemes and cares, the 
hopes and fears, the pleafures and forrows of life, 
will come to their period, and the world. of fjarits 
will open upon thee. And O,how. foon may it open I 
Perhaps before the returning fun brings on the light 
of another day. , To-morrow's fun may not enlighten 
mine eyes, but. only mine round a fenfelefs corpfe, 
which may lie in the place of this animated body. At 
leaft the death of many in the flower cf their age, 
and many who were fuperior to me in capacity, piety, 
and the profpe&s of ufefulnefs, may loudly warn me 
not to depend on a long life, and engage me rather to 
wonder that I am continued here fo many years, than 
to be furprized if I am fpeedily • removed." 

(n) Deut, xxxii. 2$& 



212 Rife^progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

" And now, O my foul, anfwer as in the fight of 
God ; art thou ready ? Art thou ready ? Is there no 
fin unforfaken, and fo unrepented of, to fill me with 
anguifh in my departing moments, and to make -me 
tremble on the brink of eternity ? Dread to remain 
under the guilt of it, and this moment renew thy moft 
earneft applications to the mercy of God, and the 
blood of a Redeemer, for deliverance from it. 

" But if the great account be already adjufted, 
if thou haft cordially repented of thy numerous of- 
fences, if thou haft fincerely committed thyfelf by 
faith into the hands of the bleifed Jefus, and haft not 
renounced thy covenant with him by returning to the 
allowed practice of fin, then dart not at the thoughts 
of a feparation : It is not in the power of death to 
hurt a foul devoted to God, and united to the great 
Redeemer. It may take me from my worldly com- 
forts ; it may difconcert and break my fchemes for 
fer vice on earth : But, O my foul, diviner entertain- 
ments, and nobler fervices wait thee beyond the grave* 
For ever bleifed be the name of God and the love of 
Jefus, for thefe quieting, encouraging, joyful views ! 
I will now " lay me down in peace, and fleep," (°) 
free from the fears, of what (hall be the ifTue of this 
night, whether life or death may be appointed for me. 
* w Father, into thine hand I commend my fpirit ;" ( p ) 
for " thou haft redeemed me, O God of truth," ( q ) 
and therefore I can cheerfully refer it to thy choice,, 
whether I mall wake, in this world, or another." 

C H A P. XX. 

A ferious perfuafive to fuch a Method of [pending our days 
as is reprefented in the- former Chapter, 

Chriftians fix their views too low, and indulge too ir.doleat a dif- 
pofition, which makes it more neceffary to urge fuch a life, as that under 
connderation. § I , 2. It is therefore inforced, (l.) from its being ap- 
parently reafonabie, confidering ourfelVes as the creatures of God, and 

(o) Pfal, iv. 8, (p) Lake xxUi, 4^! fa) Pfcl, *w * 



Rife^progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 213 

ss redeemed by the blood of Chrift, 5 3. (z ) From its evident tendency 
to conduce to our comfort in Jifc. §4. (3) From the influence it will 
have to promote our ufefulnefs toothers. §5. (4.) From its efficacy to 
make afflictions lighter. § 6. (5.) From its happy afpect on death : § 7. 
And (6.) On eternity. § 8. Whereas not to defire improvement would 
argue a loui deftitute of leligion. §9. A prayer fuited to the.ftatS of a 
foul ,vh.> longs to attain the life recommended above. 

§ i- JL HAVE been aligning, in the preceding; 
chapter, what I fear will feem to fame of my readers 
io hard a talk, thut they will want courage to attempt 
it ; and it is indeed a life in many reipects fo far 
above that of the generality of Chriftians, that I am 
not without apprehenfions, that ^ many, who deierve 
the name, may think the directions, after all the pre- 
cautions with which I have propoled them, are car- 
ried to an unneceflary degree of nicety and itricmefs. 
But I am perfuaded, much of the credit and comfort 
of Chrinianity is loft, in confequence of its profeiTors ' 
fixing their aims too low, and not conceiving of their. 
high and holy calling in fo elevated and iublime a 
view, as the nature of religion would require, and 
the word of God would direcl. I am fully convinced 
that the expreffions of " walking with God, of bet- 
ing in the fear of the Lord all the day long," ( a ) and 
above all, that of " loving the Lord our God with 
all our heart, and foul, and mind, and iirength," (b) 
muft require, if not ail thefe chv .mfcances, yet the 
fubftanca of all that I have been recommending, fo 
far as we have capacity, leifure and opportunity ~: 
And I cannot but think/ that many might command 
more of the latter, and perhaps improve their capa- 
cities too, if they would take a due care in the gov- 
ernment of themfelves ; if they would give up vain 
and unneceffary diveriions, and certain indulgencies 9 
which only fuit and delight the lower part of our 
nature, and (to fay the beft of them) deprive us of 
pleafures much better than themfelves, if they do 
not plunge us into guilt. Many of thefe rules would 

(a) fkov, xxili, 17. (b) Mark xih 30, 



2 14 Rtf e y P™g re f s °f Religion in the Soul. 

appear eafily practicable, if men would learn to know 
the value of time, and particularly to redeem it from 
unneceffary fleep, which waftes many golden hours 
of the day : Hours, in which many of God's fervants 
are delighting themfelves in him, and drinking in 
full draughts of the water of life ; while thefe their 
brethren are {lumbering upon their beds, and loft ia 
vain dreams, as far below the common entertainments 
of a rational creature, as the pleafures of the fubli- 
melt devotion are above them. 

§ 2. 1 know iikewife, that the mind is very fickle 
and incondant ; and. that it is a hard thing to pre- 
ferve fuch a government and authority over our 
thoughts, as would be very defirable, and as the plan 
I have laid down will require. But fo much of the 
honour of Cod., and fo much of your own true hap- 
pineis, depends upon it, that I beg you will give me 
a patient and attentive hearing while I am pleading 
with you; and that you will ferioufly examine the 
arguments, and then judge, whether a care and con- 
duct like that which I have advifed, be not in itfelf 
reaibnabie ; and whether it will not be highly con- 
ducive to your comfort and ufefulnefs in life, your 
peace in death, and the advancement and increafe of 
your eternal glory. 

§ 3. Let con #:tice fay, whether -fuch a life as I 
have defcribed above be not in itfelf highly reafona- 
ble. Look over the mbflance of it again, and bring 
it under a clofe examination ; for I am very appre- 
henfive, that fome weak objections may arife againft 
the whole, which may in their confequences affect 
particulars againft which no reafonable man would 
prefume to make any objection at all. Recollect, O 
Chrittian, and carry it with you in your memory 
and your heart, while you are purfuing this review, 
that you are the creature of God, that you are pur- 
chafed with the blood of Jefus j and then fay, whe- 
ther thefe relations in which you Hand, do hot de» - 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Son!. *i§ 

fl&and all that application and refolution which I would 
engage you to. Suppofe alltheccunfels I have given, 
reduced into practice : Suppofe every day begun and 
concluded with fuch devout breathings after God, 
and fuch holy retirements for morning and evening 
converfe with him, and with your own heart : Sup- 
pofe a daily care, in contriving how your time, may 
be managed, and reflecting how it has been employed : 
Suppofe this regard to God,thisfenfeof his p r efence, 
and zeal of his glory, to run through your acts of 
worfnip, your hours of bufinefs and recreation : Sup- 
pofe this attention to Providence, this guard againft 
temptations, this dependance upon divine influence, 
this government of the thoughts in folitade, and of 
the difcourfes in company : Nay, I will add farther, 
fuppofe every particular direction given, to be pur- 
fued, excepting when particular cafes occur, with ref- 
pect to which you (hall be able in confcience to fay, 
i% I wave it, not from indolence and carelefsnefs, but 
becaufe I think it will juft now be more pleafing to 
God to be doing fomething elfe ;" which may often 
happen in human life, where general rules are ben; 
concerted : Suppofe, 1 fay, all this to be done, not for 
a day, or a week, but through the remainder of life, 
whether longer or (horter ; and fuppofe this to be 
reviewed at the clofe of life, in the full exercife of 
.your rational faculties : Will there be reafon to fay 
in the reflection, " I have taken too much pains in 
religion ; the Author of my being did not deferve all 
this from me ; lefs diligence, lefs fidelity, lefs zeal 
'than this, might have been an equivalent for the blood 
-which was fhed for my redemption. A part of my 
heart, a part of my time, a part of my labors, might 
have fufHced for him who hath given me all my 
.powers ; for him, who has delivered me from that 
deftruction, which would have made them my ever- 
laying torment ; for him, who is railing me to the re- 
gions of a blifsful immortality," Can you with any 



li<5 Rife, prognjs cf Religion in the Soul. 

face fay this ? If you cannot, then furely ycur con- 
fcience bears watcefs that all I have recommended, 
under the limitations above, is reafcnable ; that duty 
and gratitude require it ; aod confequently, that by 
every allowed failure in it, you bring guilt upon your 
own foul, you offend God, and act unworthy your 
ch'riftian profefiion. 

§ 4. I intreat you farther to confider, whether 
fuch a conduct as I have now been recommending, 
would not conduce much to your comfort and ufeful- 
nefs in life. Reflect ferioufly, what is true happinefs ? 
Does it confift in distance from God, or in aearnefs 
to him ? Surely you cannot be a Chriftian, furely yon 
cannot be a rational man, if you doubt, whether com- 
munion with the great Father of our fpirits be a plea- 
fure and felicity ; and if it be, then furely they enjoy 
moil cf it, who keep him moft conflantly in view. 
Ycu cannot but know in your own confcience, that 
it is this which makes the happinefs of heaven ; and 
therefore the more of it any man enjoys upon earth, 
the mere of heaven comes down into his foul. If you 
have made any trial of religion, though it be but a 
few months or weeks fmce you firft became acquain- 
ted with it, you mnft be fome judge of it upon your 
own experience, which have been the moft pleafant 
days cf your life. Kave they net been thofe in 
which jou have scled moft upon thefe principles ; 
thefe, in which you have meft fteadily and refolutely 
carried them through every hour of time, and every 
circumftance of life ? The check, which ycu muft in 
many inftances give to your own inclinations, might 
feem difagreeable ; but, it would furely be overbalan- 
ced, in a moft happymanner, by the iatisfaciicn you' 
'would find in a cenfeicufcefs of felf-gcvercirent ; in 
having fuch a command of your thoughts, affecliors, 
and actions, as is much more glericus than any au- 
thority over others can be. 

§ 5. I would alfo intreat ycu to ccnfider their- 



Rifiiprcgrefs of Religion in the Swl. iij 

fiuence, which fuch a conduct as this might have up- 
on the happinefs of others. And it is eafy to be feen, - 
It muft be very, great ; as you would find your heart 
always difpofed to watch every opportunity of doing 
good, aud to feize it with eagernefs and delight. It 
would engage you to make it the itudy and bufmefs 
of your life, to order things induch a manner, that the 
end of one kind and ufeful action might be the begin- 
ning of another ; in which you would go on as natu- 
rally, as the inferior animals do in Chore productions 
and actions by which mankind are relieved or enrich- 
ed ; or as the earth bears her fucceiTive crops of dif- 
ferent vegetable fupplies. And though mankind be, 
in this corrupt ftate, f? unhappily inclined to imitate 
evil examples rather than good ; yet it may be ex- 
pected, that while your light mines before mqn, feme 
feeing your good works will endeavor to transcribe 
them in their own lives, and £3 to glorify your Father 
.which is in Heaven. ( c ) The charm of fuch beautiful 
models would furely imprefs ibme, and incline them 
at baft, to attempt an imitation ; and every attempt 
would di r pofe to another. And thus through the di- 
vine gocdnefs, you might be , entitled to a (hare in the 
praife, and the reward, not* only of the good you 
■ had immediately done yomfeif, but likewife of that 
which you had engaged others to do. And no eye, 
but that of an all-fearching God, can fee, into what 
dittant times cr places the bkfled confluences may 
reach. In every inftacce in which thefe confequences 
appear, it will put a generous and fublime joy into 
your heart, which no worldly proiperity could af- 
ford, and which would be the iivelieft emblem of that 
high delight which- the biefied God feels, in feeing 
and making his creatures happy. 

§ 6. It is true indeed, that amid all thefe pious 
and benevolent cares, afflictions may come, and in 
Ibme meafure interrupt you in the midil of your 

(c) Mat. y. 16. 

(XIX) 



;i> i § Rife, progrefs cf Religion in the Son!. 

^projected fchemes. But furely thefe afflictions will 
itit much lighter, when your heart is gladdened with 
the peaceful and joyful reflection of your own mind, 
-and with fo honorable a : teftimony of confcience 
before God and man. Delightful will it be to go 
back to pail fcenes in your pleafing review, and to 
think, that you have not only been fincerely humb- 
iing yourfelf for thofe paft offences, which afflictions 
may bring to your remembrance ; but that you have 
given^fubftantial proofs of the fincerity of that hu- 
miliation, by a real reformation of what has been 
amifs, and by acting with flrenuous and vigorous re- 
iolution on the contrary principle. And while con- 
verfe with God, ^and doing good to men, are made 
the great bufiaefs and pleafure of life, yon w $ &&& 
a thoufand opportunities of enjoyment ; even in the 
'nudftof thofe afflictions, which would render you fo 
incapable of relifhing the pleafures of fenie, that the 
very mention of them might in thofe circumstances 
feem an infult and a reproach. 

§ 7. At length, death will come : That folemn and 
Important hour, which hath been pafied through by 
fo many thoufands wh^ have in the main lived fuch 
a life, and by fo many millions who have neglected 
it. And let confcience fay, if there was ever any 
one of all thefe millions, who had then any reafon to 
rejoice in that neglect ; or any one, among the molt 
£tri£t and exemplary Christians, who then lamented 
that his heart and life had been too zealoufly devo- 
ted to God ? Let confcience fay, whether they have 
Lwifhed to have a part of that time, which they have 
thus employed, given back to them again, that they 
might be more conformed to this world ; that they 
.might plunge themfelves deeper into its amufements, 
or purfue its honors, its poifeiTions, or its pleafures, 
with greater eager nefs than they had done ? If you 
were yourfelf dying, and a dear friend or child ftood 
IpQdx you, and this book and the iaft chapter of it 



Riftyprogrefs dff 'Religion hi the Souh 219 

ihould chance to come into your thoughts, would you- 
caution that friend or chili agsinft conducting him- 
felf by fuch rules as I have advanced ? This queftion 
may perhaps feem unneceiTary, where the anfwer is 
fo plain and fo certain, Well then, let me befeech 
3'ou, to learn how you ihould live, by 'reflecting hew 
you would die, and what a courfeyou would wifh tor 
look back upon, when you are juft quitting this world,, 
and entering upon another. Think ferioufly, what 
if death ihould furprife "you on a hidden, and you ; 
fhouid be called into eternity ata-n hour's or a minute's 
warning, would you not wifh, that your laft day. 
fhouid have been thus begun ; and the courfe of it 5 ' 
if it were a day of health and activity, fhouid have 
been thus managed ? Would you not wifh, that your " 
Lord ihculd find you engaged ill fuch thoughts, and 
in fuch purfuits ? Would not the paffage, the flight 
from earth to Heaven, be moil eafy, moil pleaiiant,..., 
in this view and connection ? And on the other hand, . 
if death fhouid make more gradual approaches, would 
not the remembrance of fuch a pious, holy, humble*.- 
diligent, and ufefullife, make a dying bed much fof- 
terand eafier,than it would other wife be ? Ycu would'- .- 
not die, depending upon thefe things : God forbid, 
that you fhouid i Senfible of your many imperfec- 
tions , you would, no doubt, defire to throw your- 
felf at the feet of Chrift, that ycu might appear- 
before God, adorned with his righteoufnefs, and 
wafhed from your fins in his blood. You would alfo 
with your dying breath afcribe to the riches of his 
grace every good difpeimon you had found in your 
heart, and every worthy action ycu had been enabled 
to perform. But would it not give you a delight 
worthy of being purchafed with ten thoufand worlds, 
to reflect, that " his grace befbowed on you had not 
been in vain :" ( d ) but that you had, from an humble 
principle of grateful love, glorified your Heavenly 

(d.) 1 Cor. xv, 1.0. 



MO Rife, progrefs cf Relight in tk SouK 

Father on earth, and, in fome degree, though not 
with the perfection you could defire, iC finifhed the 
work which he had given you to do :" ( e ) That you 
had been living for many pafc years as on the bor- 
ders cf heaven, and endeavoring to form your heart 
and life to the temper and manners of i's inhabitants I 

§ 8. And once mere let me fotreat you to reflect 
on the view yen will have of this matter, when yen 
come into a world of glory, if (which I hope will be 
the happy ca(e) divine mercy conduct you thither. 
Will not your reception there be affected by your 
care or negligence in this holy courfe ? Will it appear 
an indifferent thing in the eye of the bleiied jefus, who 
diitributes the crowns, and allots the thrones there, 
whether yen have been among the mart, zealots, or 
themoit indolent of his fervants? Sureiyyou muilwiih 
to have c ° an entrance adminiftered unto you abund- 
antly, into the kingdom of your Lord and Saviour :** 
( f ) And what can more conduce to it, than to be 
^ always abounding in his work r" You cannot 
think lb meanly of that glorious tote, as to imagine, 
that you {hall there look round about with a lecret 
difappointment, and fay in your heart, that you over- 
valued the inheritance you have received, and punn- 
ed it with too much earneftnefs. You will not lately 
complain, that it had too many of your thoughts and 
cares ; but en the contrary, you have the highefc rea- 
fon to believe, that if any thing were capable of exci- 
ting your indignation and your grief there, it would 
be, that amid fo many mo lives, and fo many advan- 
tages, you exerted younelf no more in the prolecu- 
ticn of inch a prize. 

§ 9. But I will not enlarge on fo clear a cafe, and 
therefore conclude the chapter with reminding you, 
that to allow yourfelf deliberately to fit d 3\yn fatis- 
fied with any imperfect attainments in religion, and 
to look upon a more confirmed and improved Hate of 

(e) johnxviu 4< (0 * Pet, !. 2i. (g) i Cor, xv. jS. 



Ri:e progref cf Religion in the Soul 221 

It as what ycu do net defire, nay, as what ycu fecret- 
ly refolve that you will iiot'purfue, is one of the moil 
fatal figns we can well imagine, that you are an entire 
ftranger to the firft principles of it. 

A PRAYER fated to thejiate of a Soul who defires to at*' 
tain the Life recommended above. 

"BLESSED God, I cannot contradict the force 
of thefe reafonings ; O that I might feel more than 
.ever the lafting effecls of them ! Thou art the great 
fountain cf being and of happinefs ; and as from thee 
■my being was derived, fo from thee my happinefs di- 
rectly flows ; and the nearer I am to thee, the purer 
and the more delicious is the firearm cc With thee is 
the fountain of life ; in thy light may I fee light !'" ( h ) 
The great object of my nnal hope is to dwell forever 
with thee. Give me now fome fcretarte of that de~ 
light ; give me 5 I befeech thee, to experience " the 
bleffednefs cf that man, who feareth the Lord, and 
who delighteth greatly in his commandments," ( l ) and 
fo form my heart by thy grace, that I may " be in 
the fear of the Lord all the day long,:' ( k ) 

•J& To thee may my awaking thoughts be direct- 
ed ; and with the firft ray of light that vifits mine 
opening eyes, " Lift up, O Lord, the light of thy 
countenance upon me." ( ! ) When my faculties are 
roufeel from that broken ftate in which they lay, while 
buried, and as it were annihilated in ileep, may my 
firfl actions be confecrated to thee, O God, who giv- 
eii me light ; who giveft me, as it were, every morn- 
ing, a new life and a newreafon ; enable my heart to 
pour itfelf out before thee with a filial reverence, 
freedom, and endearment; and may I hearken to 
God, as I deiire that he mould hearken unto me ; 
may thy word b read with attention and pieafure ; 
may my foul be delivered into the mould of it, and 

(h) PfaJai xxxvi. 9. (i) Pfa!m cxii. p (k) Prov. xxiii. 17. 

(I) Pfalra iv. 6. 

(XIX 2) 



2 22 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

may I " hide it in my heart, that I may not fin againft 
thee." ( 3 > Animated by the great motives there fog- 
gefted, may I every morning be renewing the dedica- 
tion ofmyfelf to thee, through Jefus, thy beloved Son, 
and b>e deriving from him new fupplies of that bleffed 
Spirit of thine, whofe influences are the life of my 
foul, 

" And being thus prepared, do thou, Lord, lead 
me forth by the hand to all the duties and events of 
the day : In that calling, wherein thou haft been 
pleafed to call me, " may I abide with thee;" (") not 
being flothful in bufmefs, but " fervent in fpirit, ferv- 
ing the Lord/' (°) May I know the value of time, 
and always improve it to the beft advantage, in fuch 
duties as thou haft affigned me ; how low foever the.y 
may feem, or how painful foever they may be. To 
thy glory, O Lord, may the labors of life be purfued, 
and to thy glory may the refrefhments of it be fought; 
*• Whether 1 eat or drink, or whatever I do," ( p ) 
miy that end be (till kept in view, and may it be at- 
tained ; and may every refreshment, and releafe from 
bufinefs, prepare me to ferve thee with greater vigor 
and refolution. 

" May mine eye be watchful to obferve the de- 
fcent of mercies from thee ; and may a grateful fenfe 
of thine hand in them, add a favour and a relifh to all ; 
and when afflictions come, which in a world like this 
1 would accuftommyfelf to expect, may I remember that 
they come from thee ; and may that fully reconcile me to 
them, while I firmly believe that the fame love which 
gives us our daily bread, appoints us our daily crofles; 
which I wouldlearn to take up, that I may "follow my 
dear Lord," ( q ) with a temper like that which he mani- 
feftei, when afcending Calvary for my fake ; faying 
like him, " the cup which my Father hath given me, 
fhall I not drink it ;" ( r ) and when I "-enter into 

(m) Pfalm cxix. u, (n) I Cor. vji. 20. {o) Rom. xj'u II. 
l {?) l-Cor. x. 3*. (a) Marfcxiii. 34- CO hha xviii. il< 



Rijhy progrefs of Religion in the Soiil, 223 

'temptation, do thou. Lord, deliver me from evil." ( f ) 
Make me ienfible, I intreat thee, cf my own weak,- 
eels, that my heart may be railed to thee for prefent 
communications of proportionable ftrength. When I 
am engaged in the fociety of others* may it be my de- 
fire and my care, that 1 may do, and receive, as much 
good as po€ible$ and may I continually anfwer the 
great purpofes of life, by honoring cl:ee, and diffu- 
fmg ufeful knowledge and happinefs in the world 5 
and when I am alone, may I remember my heavenly 
Father is with me ; may I enjoy the pleafure of thy 
prefence, and feel the animating power of it awaken- 
ing my foul to an earneft deiire to think, and act, as 
in thy fight. 

" Thus let my days be fpent,. and. let them al- 
ways be doled in thy fear, and under a fenfe of thy 
gracious prefence : Meet me, O Lord, in mine evening 
retirements— May I chule the moft proper time for 
them ; may I diligently attend to reading and prayer ; and. 
when I review my conduct, may I do it with an im- 
partial eye ! Let not felf- love fpread a falfe coloring 
over it ; but may I judge myfelf, asi ne that expects 
to be judged of the Lord, and is very felicitous he 
may be approved by thee, who cs fearcheii all hearts, and 
canft not forget any of my works- 1" ( l ) Let my pray- 
er come daily before thee as incenfe, and let ki the 
lifting up of my hands be as the mornicg and the 
evening Sacrifice." ( u ) May I refign my powers to 
ileep in fweet calmnefs and ferenity ; confcious that 
I have lived to God in the day, and cheerfully per- 
fuaded that I am accepted of thee in Chrift Jefus my 
Lord, and humbly hoping in thy mercy through him, 
whether my days on earth be prolonged, or " the 
refidue of them be cut off in the midft !" ( x ) If death 
comes by a leifurely advance, may it find me thus 
employed ; and if I am called on a fudden to exchange 

(s) Matt* vi, 13. (t) Amos viii. 7. ( u ) PfaloicxH* a. 
(x) ifai. xxxyiii. i©# ; „ 



-224 Rife* p™grefs of Religion in the Soul. 

worlds, may my Iaft days and hours be found to have 
been conduced by fuch maxims as thefe ; that I may 
have a fweet and eafy paflage froir^ the fer vices of 
time to the infinitely nobler fervices of an immortal 
ftate ! I aik it through him, who while on earth was 
the faireifc pattern and example of every virtue and 
grace, who now lives and reigns with thee, " able to 
Fave unto the utmoft :" (0 To him " having done 
all"! would fly. with humble acknowledgment that I 
am " an unprofitable fervant ;" (*) to him be glory 
forever and ever. Amen?' 



CHAP. XXL 

A Caution againft various Temptations, by which the young 
Convert may he drawn afidefrom the courfe recommended 

above* -*' 

Dangers continue,, after the flrft difficulties (confidered Chap- xvi.) 
are broken through, § I. Particular cautions, (i-) againft a fjuggifh and 
indolent temper, § 2. (2 ) Againft the exceflive Jove of fenfitive pieafure, 
§ 3. Leading to a neglect of bufinefs and needlefs expence, §4, (3.) 
Againft the fnares of vain company, § J. (4.) Againft exceflive hurries 
of worldly bufinefs 5-$ 6. which is inforced by the fatal confequences 
thefe have had in many cafes, § 7. The Chapter concludes with an ex- 
hortation to die to this world, and live to another 1 § 8. And the young 
convert's prayer for divine protection againft the dangers arifing from 
thefe. in ar.es. 

HP 

J 1. JL HE reprefentation I have been- making 
.of the pieafure and advantage of a life fpent in de- 
votednefs to God and communion with him, as I 
have defcribed it above, will I hope engage -you, my 
dear reader, to form feme purpofes, and make fome 
" attempt to obtain it. But from confidering the na- 
ture and obferving the courfe of things, it appears 
.'exceedingly evident, that befides the general opposi- 
tion which ^formerly mentioned as like to attend you 
in your firft entrance on a religious life, you will find, 
even after you have refolutely broken through this, 

{)) Heb. vii. 25,. («) Luke xvii. 10. 



Rtfi* ffogrefs of Religion in the Soul. 225 

u a variety of hindrances" in any attempts of exem- 
pi Ary piety, aisd in the profecution of a remarkably 
hri& and edifying ccurfe, will prefent themfeives 
daily in your path. And whereas yen may, by a 
few'refoiute efforts, bailie feme of the former fort of 
enemies ; thefe will be perpetually renewing their 
onfets, and a vigorous flruggle muft. be continually 
maintained with them. Give me leave now, there- 
fore, to be particular in my cautions againft fome of 
the chief of them. And here I would infift upon the 
difnculiies, which will arife from indolence, and the 
love of plealure, from vain company, and from world- 
ly cares. Each of thefe may prove infharing to any, 
and efpecialiy to young perfbns, to whom I would, 
now have fome particular regard. 

§2.1 intreat you therefore, in the nrfi place, that 
you would guari againfu a fluggiin and indolent 
temper. The love of eafe iniinuat-s itfelf into the 
heart, under a variety of plaufible pretences, which 
are often allowed to pafs, when temptations of a grof- 
fer nature would not be admitted. The mifpend- 
ing a little time feems to wife and good men but a 
fmall matter ; yet this fometimes runs them into 
great inconveniences. It often leads them to break 
in upon the feaibns regularly allotted to devotion, 
and to defer bufinefs, which might immediately be 
done, but being put off from day today is not done 
at all ; and thereby the fervices of life are at lea ft di- 
Hiinifned, and the rewards of eternity diminished pro- 
portionaoly : Not to infill upon it, that very fre- 
quently this lays the foul open to farther temptations, 
by which it falls, in confequence of being found- un- 
employed. Be therefore fufpicious of the firft ap> 
proaches of this kind. Remember, that the foul of 
man is an aclive being, and that it mure find its plea- 
fures in activity. C1 Gird up therefore the loins of 
your mind." '( a ) Endeavor to keep yourfelf always 

(«)'lPeJ, i. 13. j 



a 26 Rife> P ro grefi cf Religion in the Soul, 

well employed. Be ex?.cfc, if I may with humble re- 
verence ufe the expreffion, in ycur appointments with 
God. Meet him early in the morning ; and fay not 
with the iluggard, when the proper hour of riling is 
come, " a little more fleep, a little more number." ( b ) 
That time, which prudence mall advife you, give to 
converfation and to other recreations. But when. 
that is elapfed, and no unfcrefeen and important en- 
gagement prefects, rife and begone. Quit the com- 
pany of your dearert friends, and retire to your pro- 
per "bufmefs, whether it be in the field, the (hop, or 
the clofet. For by acting contrary to the fecret dic- 
tates of your mind, as to what is juft at the prefect 
moment belt to do, though it be but in the manner. 
of fpending half an hour, Tome degree of guilt is con- 
tracted, and an habit is cherifhed, which may draw af- 
ter it much worfe ccnfcquences. Gonfider therefore, 
what duties are to be difpatched,andin what feafons. 
Form your plan as prudently as you can, and pur- 
ine it refolutely ; unlefs any. unexpected incident ari- 
fes which leads you to conclude, that duty calls yon 
another way. Allowances for men unthought of in- 
terruptions muft be made ; but if in confequence of 
this, you are obliged to omit any thing of importance 
which you purpofed to have done to day,. do it if pow 
fible to-morrow 1 And do not cut yourfelf out new. 
work, till the former plan be difpatched ; unlefs you 
really judge it, not merely more amufmg, but more 
important. And always remember, that a fervant of 
Chrift fhould fee to it, that he determines on thefe cc« 
cafions, as in his Mailer's pretence. 

§ 3. Guard alfo againft an exceflive love of fen- 
fitive and animal ple.ifure, as that which will be a 
great hindrance to you in that religious courfe, which 
I have now been urging. You cannot but know, 
thru Chrift has told us, that " a man muft deny 1 im- 
felf, and take up his crofs daily," if he defires to" be- 

(b) Prov. vi. ip.. 



Rift, pregrefe of Religion in the BoaL 227 

come his difciple." O Chrift the Son of God, " the 
form.r and the heir of all things., pleafed nothimfelf ;" 

( d ) but fubmitted to want, to difficulties, and hard- 
, fnips, in the way of duty, and forae of them of the 

extremeft kind and degree, for the glory cf God and 
the falvation of men. In this way we are to follow 
him ; and as we know not how foon we may be call- 
ed, even to " refill unto blood ftriving againft fin," 

( e ) it is certainly beft to accuftom ourfelves to that 
discipline, which we may poffihly be called out to ex- 
crcife, even in fuch rigorous heights. A loft and de- 
licate life will give force to temptations, which might 
eafily be fubdued by one, who has habituated him- 
felf to " endure hardfhip as a good foldier of Jefus 
Chrifi:." ( f ) It alfo produces an attachment to this 
world, and an unwillingnefs to leave it ; which ill be- 
comes thofe who are ftr angers and pilgrims on earth, 
and who expect foon to be called away to "that 
better country," which they " profefs to feek." ( § ) 
Add to this, that what the world calls a life of plea- 
fure, is necelfarily a life of expesce too, and may per- 
haps lead you, as it has done many others, and efpe- 
cially many who have been fetting out in the world, 
beyond the limits which Providence has afligned ; and 
fo after a fhort courfe of indulgence, may produce 
proportionable want. And while in other cafes it is 
true, that pity mould be fnewn to the poor, this is a 
poverty that is jufUy "contemptible, becaufe it is the 
eifecl: of a man's own folly ; and when your want 
thus " comes upon you like an armed man," ( h ) you 
will not only find yourfelf (tripped of the capacity you 
might otherwife have fecured, for performing thofe 
works of charity which are lb ornamental to a Chris- 
tian profeiuon, but probably will be under ftrong 
temptations to Tome low artifice or mean compliance, 
quite beneath the Christian character, and that of an 

(0 Luke ix. »3« ( d ) Roni - xv - 3- (e) Heb. xii. 4. (f) % Tim, iL 3* , 
(g) K*b. xl 13—16 (hi Pxqv, vl. 1* 



228 Rlfe 9 progrefs of Religion in the Soul 

upright man. Many who once made a high profeffion 9 
after a feries of much forry and fcandalous fhifis, have 
fallen into the infamy ©f bankrupts, and of the worn: 
kind of bankrupts ; I mean fuch as have lavimed 
away on tiemfelves, what was indeed the property of 
others, and fo have injured, and , perhaps ruined the 
iiiduflrious, to feed, a fooliih, luxurious, or oftenta- 
tious humor, which, while indulged, was thefhameof 
their own families, and when it can be indulged no 
longer, is their torment. This will be a terrible re- 
proach to religion ; fuch a reproach to it, that a good 
man would rather choofe to live on bread and water, 
or indeed to die for want of them, than to occafion it. 

§ 4. Guard therefore, I befeech you, againft any , 
thing which might tend to that way, efpecially by dil- 
igence in bufinefs, and by prudence and frugality in 
expence ; which, by the divine bleffing, may have a 
very happy influence to make your affairs prcfperous, 
your health vigorous, and your mind eafy. But this 
cannot be attained, without keeping a refolute watch 
over yourfelf, and ftrenuoufly refuting to comply with 
many propofals, which indolence cr fenfuality will of- 
fer in very plauiible forms, and for which it will plead, 
that it afks but very little. Take heed, left in this 
refpetl: you imitate thofe fond parents, who, by in- 
dulging their children in every little thing they have a 
mind to, encourage them, by infenfible degrees, to 
grow ftill more encroaching and imperious in their de- 
mands ; as if they chofe to be ruined with them, ra- 
ther than to check them in what feems a trifle. Re- 
member, and eonfider -hat excellent remark, fealed by 
the ruin of fo many thoufands : " He that deipifeth 
frnall things,. fnall fall by little and little/" 

§ 5. In this view, give me leave alfo ferioufly 
and tenderly to caution you, my dear reader, againil 
the fnares of vain company. I fpeak not, as before, 
of that company, which is openly licentious and pro- 
fane. I hope there is fomething now in your temper 



!&£> protrefs of ReligiZi in the Sod. 2 2f 

and views which would engage you to turn away 
from fuch with deteftaiion and horror. But I peleecla 
you to coniider, that thofe companions may be very 
oangerous, who might at firft give yen but very little 
alarm ; 1 mean thole, who though not the declared 
enemies of religion, and proftiTed followers ci vice 
and diforder, yet neverthelefs have'no practical fenfe 
of divine things on their hearts, fo far as can be judg- 
ed by their convention and behavior. You mnft 
often of neceility be with fuch perfons, and Chriftian- 
ity not only allows, but requires, that you mould, on 
all expedient cccafions of intercourfe with them,, treat 
them with civility and refpeel : but chufe not fuch for; 
your moli intimate friends, and do not contrive to 
fpend moft of ycur leifure moments among them. For 
fuch converfe has a fenfible tendency to alienate: the 
f quI from God, and to render it unfit for all fpiritua! 
communion with him. To convince you of this, do 
but reflect on your own experience, when you have 
been for many hours together among perfons of fuch 
a character. Do ycu not find yourf elf more indifpofed 
for devotional exercifes ? Do ycu not find your heart* 
by infenfible degrees, more arid more inclined to a 
conformity to this world, and to look with a fecret 
difrelifh on thofe objects and employments to which 
reafon directs as the nobleft and the bell ?. Obferve 
the fiirft fymptoms, and guard againft the fnare in 
time ; and, for this purpofe, endeavor to form friend- 
fhips founded in piety, and fiipported by it. Be a 
companion of them that " fear God, and of them that 
keep his precepts." ( ! ) You well knew, that in the 
light of God they are the excellent of the earth ; Jet 
them therefore " be ail ycur delight. 5 * ( k ) And that 
the peculiar benefit of their friendihip may not be loft, 
endeavor to make ths belt of the hours you fpend 
with them. The wifeft of men has obferved, that 
- when " counfel in the heart of a man is like deep wa« 

CO Pialm cxix. 65. (k) Pfahn xvi. 3; 

' (XX) 



Og$ Rifi 9 progrefs of Religion in the Ssuu 

ters," that is, " when it lies low and concealed, a 
man of undemanding will draw it out." ( l ) Endeavor, 
iher -fere, on fueh occaficns, fo far as ycu can do it 
with decency and convenience, to give' the converfa- 
ti.cn a religious turn ; and when fericus and ufeful 
fubjecls are ftarted in your prefence, lay hold of them 
and cultivate them ; and for that purpofe, " let the 
word of Chrift dwell richly in you," ( m ) and be con- 
tinually made " the man of your counfel." ( n ) 

§ 6. If it be fo, it will fecure you not only from 
the fnares of idlenefs and luxury, but from the conta- 
gion of every bad example. And it will alfo engage 
you to guard againfc thofe exceffive hurries of world- 
ly bufineis, which would fill up all your rime and 
thoughts; and thereby "choke the good word of God," 
and render it in a great meafure, if not quite, unfruit- 
ful. (°) Young people are generally of an enterpri- 
zing difpofition : having experienced comparatively lit- 
tle of the fatigue of bufmefs, and of the difrppoint- 
ments and incumbrances of life, they eafily fwallow 
them up, and annihilate them in their imagination, 
and fancy that their fpirit, their application and ad- 
drefs, will be able to encounter and furmotmt every 
ohftacle or hindrance. "But the event proves it ether- 
wife. Let me intreat you, therefore, to be cautious 
how you plunge yourfelf into a greater variety of bu- 
fmefs than ycu are capable of managing as ycu ought, 
that is, in confiiiency with the care of your fouls and 
the fervice of God ; which certainly ought not on 
any pretence to be neglected. It is true indeed, that 
a. prudent regard to your worldly interefc would re- 
quire fuch a caution ; as is obvious to every careful 
obferver, that multitudes are undone by grafping at 
mere than they can conveniently manage. Hence it 
has frequently been fees, -that while they have feemed 
refolved to be rich, they have " pierced themfelves 

(1) ?ror. xx. 5. (m) Col. ili. 16.- {r 4 >P£alm cxix. 24, 

Co) Matt, xiii. cu. 



Rife, prog refs of Religion in ihe Soul. 27 1 

. through with many forrows," ( p ) have ruined their 
own families, and drawn down many others into de-- 
fblation with them ; whereas, could they have been 
contented with moderate employments, and moderate" 
gains, they might have profpered in their bv/.fmefs, and 
might, by fure degrees, under a divine bkffisg, have 
advanced to a great and honorable mcreafe. But if 
there was no danger at all to be apprehended on this 
head ; if you were as certain of becoming rich and 
great as you are of .perplexing and fatiguing yourielf 
in the attempt ; confider, I befeech you., how precari- 
ous thefe enjoyments are. Confider how " of i en a 
<; plentiful table becomes a fnare, and that which 
fhouid have been for a man's welfare, becomes a 
trap." ( q ) Forget not that fhort lefT an, which is fo 
comprehensive of the highelt wifdom, "-one thing is 
needful," (\) Be daily thinking, while the gay and 
great things of life are glittering before your eves,, 
how fooii death will come and impoverish 37011 at once ^ 
how icon it will ftrip you of ail poffeliions but thole 
which a naked foul can carry along with it into eter- 
nity, when it drops the body in the grave. Eternity / 
Eternity/ Eternity/ Carry the view of it ab cut with- 
you if it be pcilibie, .through every hc-ur of wak-* 
ing life ; and be fully periuaded that you have 1:0 bu- 
finefs, no interefi irTlife, that is inconiiltent with it -" 
for whatfoever would be injurious to this view, is* 
not your bufmefs, is not your interefb You fee in- 
deed, that the generality of men act as if they thought 
the great thing which God required of them, in order 
to fecure his favor, was to get as much of the world: 
as poffible ; at baft as much as they can without any 
grofs immorality^ and without diking the bfs of ah, 
for making a little addition. And, as -if it were to 
abet this defign, they tell others, and perhaps tell 
themfclves, they only feek opportunities of. greater 
ufefuinefs, but, in effeft, if they mean any thing mors. 

ij) 1 Tim, vi. io, (q) PfaiiB hdx, .22. ( ) Luke. a. 4$, 



r : - £.if e > progrejs of Religixi znihe Soul. 

hv this than a capacity of ufefulnefs, which", when 
they have it, they will sot exert, they generally de- 
ceive ihemfelves, and one way or another, it is a vain 
pretence. In moft inftances men f'eek the wcrld, ei- 
ther that they may hoard up riches for the mean and 
Ceandalous fidsfkcticn of locking upon them while 
they are living, and cf thinking, that when they are 
dead, it will fee faid of them, that they have left lb 
many hundreds or thoufands of pounds behind them, 
very probably to enfnare their children, or other heirs, 
for the vanity is not peculiar to thole who have chil- 
dren of their own ; or elfe, that they may lavifh away 
their riches on their Iufts, and drown themfelves in a 
suiph of fenmality, in which, ifreaibn be not loft, re- 
ligion is foon (wallowed up >5 and with it, all the nobleft 
pisaiures which can enter into the heart of man. In 
this view, the generality of rich people appear .to me 
objects of much greater companion than the poor ; 
efpecially as when both live (which is frequently the 
cafe) without any fear of Gcd before their eyes, the 
rich abufe the greater variety and abundance of his 
favors, and therefore will probably feel, in that world 
,cf future ruin, which awaits impenitent fmners, a 
more exquifite feme of their mifery. 

§ 7. And let me obferve to you, my dear reader, 
left you ihculd think yourfelf fecure from any ' fuch 
danger, that we have great reafon to apprehend there 
are many now in a very wretched ftate, who once 
thought fericufiy of religion when they were firft felt- 
ing cut, in lower circumftances of life, but they have 
£ nee forfaken God for Mammon, and are now^ pri- 
ding themfelves in thofe golden chains, which in alL 
probability, before it is long, will leave them to re- 
main in thofe of darknefs. When, therefore, an at- 
tachment to the world may be followed with fuch fa- 
tal confequences, " let net thine heart envy fmners ;" 
( f ) and do not, out of a defire of gaining what they 

00 Fro?, xxiii. 17, 



Rife, pr$grefs of Religion in the Soul, 233 

Have, be guilty of fuch folly, as to expofe ^fefelf to 
this double danger of failing in the attempt, cr of be- 
ing undone bv the fuccefs of it. Contract your de- 
fires ; endeavor to be eafy and content with a little ; 
and if Providence call you to a& in a larger fphere, 
fubmit to it in obedience to Providence, but number 
it among the trials of life, which it will require a larg- 
er proportion of grace to bear well. For be allured, 
that as affairs and intereft multiply, cares and duties 
will certainly increafe, and probably dif appointments 
and forrows will increafe in an equal proportion* 

§ 8. On the whole, learn by divine grace, to die^ 
to the prefent world ; to look upon it as a low ftate of 
being, which God never intended for the final and' 
complete happinefs, or the fupreme care of any one of 
his children"; a world, where fomething is indeed to 
be enjoyed, but chiefly from himfelf ; where a great 
deal is to be borne with patience and refignation ; and - 
where fome important duties are to be performed.* 
and a ccurfe of difcipline to be paffed through, by 
which you are to be formed for a better ftate ; to 
which,as a Chriftian,you are near, and to which God 
will call you perhaps on a fudden ; but undoubtedly, if 
you hold on your way, in the 'fitted time and the 
moft convenient manner, Refer therefore, ail this to 
him. Let your hopes and fears, 3^our expectations 
and defires,- with regard to this world be kept as low 
as pofliole; and ail your thoughts be united, as much, 
as may be, in this one centre, whatsit is that God 
would, in prefent circuniilances, have you to be, and 
what is that method of conduct by which 3?ou may 
moft effectually pleafe and glorify him. < 
The young Convert 9 * Prayer for Divine Protection againji 
the Danger ofthcfe Snares* 

" BLESSED God, m the midft of ten thoufand 
fnares and dangers, which furround me from without 
and from within, permit me to look-up .unto thee with 
(3X.2} 



234 Rift, frogrefs of Religion in the SouL 

my humole entreat]/, that thou woeldft " deliver me 
me from them that rife up againft me," ( c ) and that 
" thine eyes may be upon me for good." ( u ) When 
floth and indolence are ready to feize me, awaken me 
from that idle dream with lively and affectionate 
views of that invifible and eternal world to which I 
am tending : Remind me of what infinite importance 
it is that I diligently improve thofe tranfient moments 
which thou haft allotted to me asihe time of my pre- 
paration for it. 

" When fmners entice me," may I not " <:onfent." 
C) May holy converfe with God give me a difrelifh. 
for the converfe of thofe who are ft rangers to thee, and 
who would feparate my foul from thee : May " I hon- 
or them that fear the Lcrd;"( y ) and walking with 
fnch wife and holy men, may I find I am daily ad- 
vancing in - " wifdom and holinefs." ( z ) Quicken me, 
O Lord, by their means, that by me thou mayeft alfo 
quicken others : Make me the happy infl rumen t of 
enkindling and animating the flame of divine love in 
their breafts, and may it catch from heart to heart, 
and grow every moment in its progrefs- 

" Guard me, O Lord, from the love of fenfual 
pleafure > may I feriouily remember, that " to be car* 
nally minded is death : 5, ( a ) may it pleafe thee, there- 
fore, to purify and refine my foul by the influences of 
thine Holy Spirit, that I may always (nun unlawful 
gratifications more folicl toufly than ethers purfue 
them ; and that thofe indulgences of animal nature, 
which thou haft allowed, and which the conftitution 
of things renders neceflary, may be foberly and mod- 
erately ufed : May I itill remember the fuperior dig- 
nity of my fpiritual and intelligent nature, and may 
the pleasures of the man and the Christian be fought 
as my nobleft happinefs : May my foul rife on the 
wings of holy contemplation, to the regions of invife 

(i) Pfalm lix. I. (u) Jfer. xxiv. 6; (x) Prov. i. 10, 

(y) Pfalm xv. 4- (*) Prov, xili. 3©i CO Root* viii. 6. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 235 

ble glory ; and may I be endeavoring^ to form myfelf, 
under the influences of divine grace, for the entertain- 
ments of thole angelic fpirits that live in thy prefence, 
in a happy incapacity of thofe grofs delights by which, 
fpirits dwelling in flelh are fo often enfnared, and in 
which they fo often lofe the memory of their high orig- 
inal, and of thofe noble hopes which alone are pro- 
portionable to it. , . '■ 

" Give me, O Lord, to know the ftation in which 
thou haft fixed me, and iieadily to purfue the duties of 
it ; but deliver me from thofe exceffive cares of this 
world , which would fo engrofs my time, and my thoughts 
that the one thing needful mould be forgotten. May 
my defires after worldly poffeffions be moderated, by 
confidering their uncertain and unfatisfyiog nature ; 
and while others are laying up treafures on earthy 
may I be " rich towards God." ( b ) May I never be 
too bufy to attend to thofe great affairs, which lie 
between thee and my foul ; never be fo engroiied 
with the concerns of time, as to neglect the interefts 
of eternity. May I pafs through earth with my heart 
and hope fet upon heaven, and feel the attractive in- 
fluence flronger and ftronger, as I approach ftill near- 
er ana nearer to that defirable centre ; till the happy 
moment come, when every earthly object fhall difap° 
pear from my view, and the mining glories of the 
heavenly world (hall fill my improved and ftrengthened ; 
fight, which fhall then be cheered with that which,, 
would now overwhelm me. Amen." 



G H A R XXIL 

The cafe of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion* 

Declenfions in religion, and relapfes-into fin with their forrowfuJ con* 
sequences, are in the general too probable* § i« The cafe of declenfion ac<3 . 
languor in religion defcribed, negatively 5 § 3. and positively ; § 3. as dif~ 
covering itfzlf. (i») By a failure in the duties of the clcfet. § 4. (a,) B^ 

(b) Luke xlk»i». 



2*6 ffifeifrogrefs cfReRgun in the Souk '. 

a negleft of focial worfliip. §5. (3.) By want of love to our fellow Chrlf J 
tians. § 6. (4.) By an undue attachment to fenfual pieafures, or feeular 
cares § 7. (5.) By prejudices againft fome important principles in religion % 
$ 8.' A fymptom peculiarly fad and dangerous, § % xa. Directions for 
recovery. §11. Immediately to be purfued. §12. A prayer for one under 
fpiricual decays. 

§ h JlF I am fo happy as to prevail upon you In 
the exhortations and cautions I have given, you will 
probably go on with pleafure and comfort in religion, 
and your path will generally be "like the morning 
light, which fhineth more and more until the perfeS 
day."( a ) Yet I dare not flatter myfelf with an ex- 
pectation of fuch fuccefs, as mall carry you above 
thofe varieties in temper, conduct and Rate, which 
have been more or kfs the complaint of thebeft of 
men. Much do I fear, that how warmly foever your 
heart may now.be imprelied with the reprefentation I 
have been making, though the great objects of your 
faith and hope continue unchangeable, your temper 
towards them will be changed. Much do I fear, that 
you will feel vour mind languifh and tire in the good : 
ways of God ; nay, that you may be prevailed upon 
to take fome ftep out of them, and may thus fall a 
prey to fome of thofe temptations, which you now 
look upon with a holy fcorn. The probable confe- 
rence of this will be, that God will hide his face 
from you; that he will ftretch forth his affli&ipg hand 
againft you; and that you will ftill fee your forrowful 
moments, how cheerfully foever you may now be 
" rejoicing in the Lord, and joying in the God of your 
falvation." ( b ) 1 hope 5 therefore, it may be of fome 
fervice, if this too probable event mould happen, to 
confider thefe cafes a little more particularly ; and I 
heartily pray, that God would make what 1 fhall fay 
concerning them, the means of reftoring, comforting, 
and ftrengthenmg your foul, if he ever iuffers you in 
any degree to deviate from him. 

(a) Prov, iv, IS, (b) Hab. iii, iS. 



Ri/e,prcgrefs of Religion in the Soul. 237 

§ 2. We will firft confider the cafe cf fplritual de- 
clcniions and languor in religion. And here I defire, 
that, before I proceed any farther, yon would ob- 
ferve, that 1 do not comprehend under this head, eve- 
ry abatement of -that fervor, which ayotmg convert 
may find, when he firft becomes experimentally ac- 
quainted with divine things. Our natures are fo fram- 
ed, that the novelty of objects ftrikes them in fome- 
tkmg of a peculiar manner ; not to urge, how much 
more eajiiy our paiiions are imprefled in the earlier 
years of life, than when we are more advanced in the 
journey of it. This, perhaps, is net fufH:iently con- 
sidered ; too great a ibrefs is commonly laid on trie 
flow of aMections ; and for want of this a Chriftian 
who is ripeaed in grace, and greatly advanced in his 
preparation for glory, may fometirnes be ready to la- 
ment imaginary, rather than real decays, and to fay, 
without any j uft foundation, " O that it were with 
me as in months paft.'T) Therefore you can hardly 
be too frequently told, that religion confifts chiefly in 
t he refclution of the will for God, and in a conftaat 
care to avoid whatever we are perfuaded he would 
difapprove, to difpatch the work he has afligned us in 
life, and to promote his glory in the happinefs of man- 
kind.. To this we are chiefly to attend, looking in 
all to the fimplicky and purity of thofe motives from 
which we act, which we know are chiefly regarded by 
that God who fearches the heart; humbling ourfelves 
before him at the fame time under a fenfe of our ma- 
ny imperfections, and flying to the blood of Chriit 
and the grace of the gofpei. 

§ 3. Having given this precaution, I will now a 
little more particularly defcribe the cafe which I call 
the ftate of a Chriftian who is declining in religion \ 
fo far as it does not fall in with thofe which I (hail 
coniider in the following chapters. And I muff ob- 
ferve ? that it chiefly confifts " in a forgetfulnefs of 

(c) Job xxix. 2. 



238 Rtfe^progrefs of Religion in the Saul. 

divine objects, and a remiflhefs in thofe various du- 
ties to which we fhind engaged by that folemn furren- 
der which we have made cf ourfelves to the iervice 
of God. 5 ' There will be a variety of iymptoms, ac- 
cording to the different circumftanccs and relations 
in which the Chriflian is placed ; but fome will be of 
a more universal kind. It will be peculiarly proper 
to touch en thefe ; and fo much the rather, as thefe 
decienfions are often unobierved, like the grey hairs, 
which were " upon Ephraim when he knew it rot."( d ) 
§ 4. Should ycu, my gocd reader, fall into this 
ftate 5 it will probably in ft difcovcr itfelf, by a fail- 
ure in the duties, of the cloiet. Not that 1 fuppofe, 
they will at firft, or certainly conclude, that they 
will at all, be wholly omitted ; but they will be 
run over in a cold and formal manner. Sloth, or 
fbme ex thofe other mares which I cautioned you 
againfl in the former chapter, will fo far prevail 
upon you, that though perhaps you know and re- 
collect, that the proper feafon of retirement is come, 
you will fometimes indulge yourfelf upon your bed ;| 
in the morning, fometimes in converiation or fou- 
finefs in the evening, fo as not to have convenient 
time for it. Or perhaps, when you come into 
your clofet at that feaion, fome favorite bock you 
are defirous to read, fome correfpondence that you. 
chute to carry on, or fome other amulement will 
preient itfelf, and plead to be difpatched firft. This 
will probably take up more time than you imagin- 
ed ; and then, fecret prayer will be hurried over, 
and perhaps reading the fcripture quhe neglectedo. 
You will plead per naps, that it is but for once ; 
but the fame allowance will be made a fecond and 
a third time ; and it will grow more eafy and fa- 
miliar to you each time, than it was the laft. And 
thus God will be mocked, and your own foul will 
be defrauded of its fpiritaal meals, if 1 may be al- 

(d) Kof, yin 9» 



Rife, frogrefs of Rengion in the Soul. 239 

lowed the expreffion ; the word of God be flight- 
ed, and felf examination quite difufed ; and fecret 
prayer it (elf v/ill grow a burden, rather than a de- 
light ; a trifling ceremony, rather than a devcut 
homage fit for the acceptance of our Father who is 
in heaven. 

§5. If immediate and refolute meafures be not 
taken for your recovery from thefe declenfions, they 
will fpread farther, and reach the acts of fecial wor- 
fhip. You will feel the effect in your families, and 
in public ordinances. And if you do not feelit, the 
fymptoms will be fo much the worfe. Wandering 
thoughts will (as it Were) eat out the very heart of 
thefe duties. It is not, I believe, the privilege of 
the moft eminent Chriftians, to be entirely free from 
them ; but probably in thele eircumft nces, you 
will find but few intervals of ftric"t. attention, or of 
any thing which wears the appearance of inward de- 
votion. And when thefe hearilefs duties are con- 
cluded, there will fcarce be a reflection made, how 
little God hath been enjoyed in them, how little he 
hath been honored by them. Perhaps the facra- 
ment of the Lord's Tapper, being fo admirably adapt- 
ed to fix the attention of the foul, and to excite its 
warmer! exercife of holy affections, may be the laH 
ordinance in which thefe declenlicns may be felt, 
And yet, who can fay, that the facred table is a 
privileged place ? Having been unnecefTarily ftrait- 
ened in your preparations, you will attend with lefs 
nxednefs and enlargement or heart than ufual. And 
perhaps a diilatisfaclion in the review, when there has 
been a remarkable alienation or infenfibility of mind, 
may occafion a difpoiition to forfake your place and 
your duty there. And when your fpiritual enemies 
have once gained this point upon you, it is probable 
you will fall by fwifter degrees than ever, and your 
refinance to their attempt's will grow weaker and 
weaker. 



24*" Rjfc 9 progrefs of Religion in the Sold. 

§ 6. When yam love to God our Fatherland to 
the Lord Jefus Chrift, fails, your fervour of Chrif-. 
tian affection to your brethren in Chrift will pro- 
port ionably decline, and your concern for ufefulnefs 
in life abate. ; efpecially, where any thing is to be 
done for fpiriiual edification. You will find one ex- 
cufe or another, for the neglect of religious difcourfe, 
perhaps not only among neighbors and Chriflian 
friends, when very convenient opportunities offer ; 
but even with regard to thole, who are members of 
your own families, and to thole, who, if you are fix- 
ed in the fuperior relations of life, are committed 
to your care. 

§ 7. With this remiffnefs, an attachment, either 
to feniual pleafure, or to worldly bufinefs, will in- 
x:reafe. For the foul muft have fomething to employ 
it, and fomething to delight itfelf in : And as it turns 
to one or the otiier of thefe, temptations of one fort 
or another will prefent therafelves. In feme inftan- 
ces, perhaps the ftri&eft bounds of temperance, and 
the regular appointments of life may be broken in 
upon, through a foadnefs for company, and the en- 
tertainments which often attend it. In other in- 
ftances, the interefts of life appearing greater than 
they did before, and taking up more of the mind, 
contrary intereiis of other perfons may throw you 
into^ difquietude, or plunge you in debate and con- 
tention ; in which it is extremely difficult to preferve, 
either the ferenity, or the innocence of the foul. And 
perhaps, if minifters and other Chriflian friends ob- 
ferve this, and endeavor in a plain and faithful way, 
to reduce you from your wandering, a falfe delicacy 
of mind, often contracted in fuch a flate as this, will 
render thefe attempts extremely difagreeable. The 
ulcer of the foul (if I may be allowed the expreffion) 
will not bear being touched, when it meft needs it ; 
and one of the moil generous and felf-denying in- 
stances of Chriflian friendship fhajl be turned into an 



R'ifc* progrefs of Religion in tie Souk 24 1 

occalbn of colinefs and dirtafte, yea 3 perhaps of en- 
mity. 

8. And poflibly, to fum up all, this difcrdereJ 
ftate of mind may lead you into ibme prejudices 
againft thofe very principles which might be mo.it ef- 
fectual for your 'recovery, and your great enemy may 
fucceed fo far in his attempts againft ycu, as to per- 
fuacle you, that you have Loft nothing in religion 9 wren 
you have loft alihoft all. lie may very probably lead 
you to conclude, that your former devotional frames 
were mere fits* of enthufiafm, and that the holy regu- 
larity of your walk before God was an unneceffary 
ftri&nefs and fcrupulofity. Nay, 3 u may think it a 
great improvement in understanding that you have 
learnt from Ibme new mailers, that if a man treat his 
fellow creatures with humanity and good nature, judg- 
ing and reviling only thofe who would diilurb others 
by the narrownefs of their notions, (For thefe are gen- 
erally exempted from other objects of the moii uni- 
venal and difinterefied benevolence fo often boafled 
of) he ffiuftneceffarily be in a very good ftate, though 
he pretend not fo converfe much with God, provided 
that he thinks refpeclfully of him, and do not provoke 
him by any grois immoralities. 

§ 9. I mention this in the iaix ftage of religious 
declenfions, becaufe I apprehend that to be its proper 
place ; and I fear, it will be found by experience to 
fhnd upon the very confines cf that grofs apdiacy in- 
to deliberate and prefumptuous fin, 'which will claim 
our confederation under the next head ; • nd becaufe 
too, it is that fymptom, which moft effectually tends 
to prevent the f uccefs, and even the ufe - f any proper 
remedies in confequence of a fond and fatal appre- 
hension that they are needled; It is, if 1 may bor- 
row the fimile, like thofe fits of lethargic drow'fmefs, 
which often precede apoplexies and death. 

§ 10. It is by no means my defign at this time to 
reckon up, much lefs to cenfider at large, thofe daisr- 
(XXI) 



$-\z Rife, progrefs ef Religion in the Sold. 

erdus principles, which are now ready to poflefs the 
naiid, and to lay the foundation of a falfeand treach- 
erous peace. Indeed they are # in different inftances 
various, and fometimes run into oppofite extremes. 
But if God awaken you to read your bible with at- 
tention, and give you to feel the Spirit with which it 
Is written, almoft every page will fiafh in conviction 
upon the mind, and fpread a light to fcatter and dif- 
perfe t u efe fhades of darknefs. 

§ ii. What I chiefly intend in this addrefs, is to 
engage you. if poflible, as foon as you p:rceive the 
-nrt fymptoms of thefe declenficns to be upon your 
guard, and to e id avor as fpeedily as poflible to re- 
cover yourfelf from them. And I would remind you, 
that the remedy muft begin where the firft caufe of 
complaint prevailed, I mean, in the clofet. Take fome 
time for recollection, and aik your own ccnfcience fe- 
rioufly, how matters ftand between the bleffed God 
and your foul ; whether they are as they once were, 
and as you could wifh them to be, if you faw your 
life juft drawing to a period, and were to pifs imme- 
diately into the eternal (late ? One ferious thought of 
eternity fhames a thoufand vain excufes, with which, 
In the forgelfulnefs of it, we are ready to delude our 
own fouls. And when you feel that lecret mifgiving 
of heart, which would naturally arife on this cccofion, 
do not endeavor to palliate tne matrer, and to find out 
flight and. artful coverings for what you cannot for- 
bear fecretly condemning, but honeftly fall under the 
conviction, and be humbled for it. Pour cut your 
heart before God, and feek the renewed influences of 
his Spirit and grace. Return with more exa&nels to 
fecret devotion, and to felf-examinatioD. Read the 
Scripture with yet greater diligence, and efpecially the 
more devotional and fpiritual parts of it. Labor to 
ground it in your heart, and to feel what you have 
,reafcn to believe the facred penmen felt when they 
wrote, fo far <ts tireucaftances may agree. Open 



Rife , progrefs cf Religion in the Soul. 243 

your foul with all fimplicity, to every lefion which the 
word of God would teach you; and guard • again!:: 
thofe things, which you perceive to alienate your mind 
from inward religion, though there be nothing criminal 
in the things themfelves. They may perhaps, in the 
general be lawful ; to fome, poffibly, they may be ex- 
pedient ; but if they produce fuch an effect as was 
mentioned above, it is certain they are not convenient 
for you. In thefe circumitances above all, feek the 
convene of thofe Christians whole progrefs in religion 
feems moft remarkable, and who adorn their profef- 
iion in the malt amiable manner. Labor to obtain 
their temper and fehtrments, and lay open ycur cafe 
and your heart to them with all the freedom which 
prudence will permit. Employ ytiurfelf at fea/bns of 
leifure in reading practical and devotional books, in 
which the mind and heart of the pious author is trans- 
fufed into the work, and in which you can (as it were) 
tafle the genuine fpirit of Chriiliamty : And, to con- 
clude, take the firft opportunity that prefenfcs, of mak- 
ing an approach to the table of the Lord, and (pars 
neither time nor pains in the moil ferious preparation 
for it. There renew your covenant with God; put 
ycur foul anew into the hand of Chrifl, and endeavor 
to view the wonders of his dyir:g love in fuch a man- 
ner as may re-kindle the languifhing flame, and 
quicken you to more vigorous reihhitiens than 
ever, " to live unto him who died for you. ?> ( e ) And 
watch over your own heart, that the good impreilions 
you then feel, may continue : Reft not, till you have 
obtained as confirmed a ftate in religion, as you ever 
knew ; reft not, till you nave made a greater 'progrefs 
than before ; for it is certain, more is yet behind, and 
it is only by a zeal to go forward; that you can be fe- 
cure from the dagger of going backward, and of re~ 
yoking more and m re. 

§ 12. I only add, that it is neceffary to take thefe: 

(e) I Cor. V. I $. 



244 &M prtgrefi of Religion in the Seal. 

precautions as foon as pcilible, or you will probably 
find a much fwifter progrefs than you are -ware in the 
down-hill road; and you may poffibly be left of God, 
to fall into fouie grefs and aggravated fin, ib as t fill 
your conscience with an agony and horror, which the 
pain of" broken bones" ( f ) can but imperfectly exprefs. 

A PRAYER for one under Spiritual Decays, 
': "ETERNAL and unchangeable Jehovah ! Thy 
perfections and glories «re, like thy being, immuta- 
ble, jefus ^hy Son is " the fame, yeikrday, to-day, 
and f .rever." (*) The eternal work! to which I am 
hafiemng, is always equally important, and prefTes up- 
on the attentive mini for a more fixed and fciemn re- 
gard, in proportion to the degree in which it comes 
nearer and nearer. Bur, alas, my views and my af- 
fections, and my beftreiblutions are continually vary- 
ing, like this poor body, which gees through daily and 
hourly alterations in its date and circuirfb.nces. — 
Whence, O Lord, whence this fad change, which I 
now experience in the frame and temper of my mind 
towards 'hee? Whence this alienation of my foul from 
thee ? Why can 1 n t c^me to thee with all the en- 
dearments of fll ; al love, as 1 once could ? Why is thy 
fervice ib re:rj. fly attended, if attended at ail ; and why 
are the exercifes of it, which were ence my greater! 
pieafure, become a burden to me? " Where, O Gcd, 
is the bhffcdnefs I once fpake of,"( h ) when my joy in 
tnee, as my heavenly Father, was fo confpicuous that 
ir ranger 3 might have obferved it; and when my heart 
did fo overflow with leve to thee, and with zeal for 
thy fervice, that it was matter of feif-denial to me, to 
limit and reforain the genuine expreffions of thofe ftrcng 
emotions of my foul> even where prudence and duty 
required it ? 

" Alas, Lord, whither am I fallen ! Thine eye 
fees me ftill, but O how unlike what it once faw me ; 
cold and infenfible as I am, 1 mufl blufh on the rcflec 

(f) Pfalm li. 8. (g) Heb» xiii. 8. (h) Gal. iv. 15. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 245 

don. Thou c< feeft me in fecret ;" ( l ) and feeft me, 
perhaps, often amufmg myfelf with trifles in thofe 
feafons, which I ufed iblemnly to devote to thine im- 
mediate fervice. Thou feeft me coming into thy pre- 
sence as by coaftraint ; and, when I am before thee, 
fo flraitened in my fpirit, that I hardly know what to 
fay to thee, though thou art the God with whom 1 
have to do, and though the keeping up an humble and 
dutiful correspondence with thee, is beyond all compari- 
foa the moft important bufmefs of my life. And even 
when I am fpeaking to thee, with how much coldnefs 
and formality is it ! it is perhaps, the work of the im- 
agination, the labor of the lips ; but where are thofe 
ardent defires, thofe intenfe breathings after God, 
which! once felt ? Where is thatpleafing repofe in 
thes, which I was once confcious of, as being near my 
divine ren\ as being happy in that nearnefs, and re- 
folving, that if pofTible, I would no more be removed 
from it ; but O, how far am I now removed ? When 
thefe fhort devotions, if they may be called devotions, 
are over, in what long intervals do I forget thee, and 
appear fo little animated with thy love, fo little devo- 
ted to thy fervice, that a ftranger might converfe with 
with me a confiderable time, without knowing that I 
had ever formed any acquaintance with thee ; with- 
out difcovering that I had fo much as known or heard 
any thing of God : Thou calleft me to thine houfe, O 
Lord, on thine own day, but how heartlefs are my 
fervices there ; I offer thee no mere than a carcafe j 
my thoughts and affection are engroffed with other 
objecls, while I " draw near thee with my mouth, 
and honor thee with my lips. 55 ( k ) Thou calleft me 
to thy table, but my heart is fo frozen, that it hardly 
melts even at the foot of the crofs ; hardly feels any 
efficacy in the blood of Jefus. O, wretched creature 
that I am! Unworthy of being called thine ; unwor- 
thy of a place among thy children, or of the meanefe - 

(i) Matt. vi. 6. (k). Ifai.'xxix. 13. 

(XXI -2) 



246 Rife 9 progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

fit nation in thy family ; rather worthy to be cafe out, 
to be forfakeii, yea, to be utterly deftroyeJ. 

" Is this, Lord, the fervice which I oncepromifed, 
and which thou haft fo many thoufand reafons to ex- 
peft ? Are theft the returns I am making for thy dai- 
ly Providential care, for thefacrifice of thy Son, for 
the communications of thy Spirit, for the pardon of 
my numberlefs aggravated fins, for the hopes, the un- 
defended, and fo often forfeited hopes of eternal glo- 
ry ? Lord, I am afhamed to Rand, or kneel bef re 
thee. But pity me, I befeech thee, and help me ; for 
lama pitiable object indeed. " My foul cleaverh 
unto the dud," and lays itfelf as in the dud before 
thee ; but O, "quicken me, according to thy word ;" 
( l ) Let m 3 trifle no longer, for I am upon the brink of 
a precipice ; I am " thinking of my ways," O give 
me grace to " turn my feet unto thy teftimonies ; to 
make hafte, without any farther delay, that I may 
keep thy commandments :" ( m ) " Search me, O Lord, 
and tryme:"0 Goto the root of this difce?r.p:-r^ 
which fpreads itfelf ever my foul, and recover me 
from it ; reprefent fin unto me, O Lord, I befeech 
thee, that I may fee it with abhorrence v and repre- 
fent the Lord Jefiis Chrift to me in fuch a light, that I 
may " look upon him and mourn ;" (°) that I may look 
upon him and Jove : May I awakVn from this ftupid 
leth rgy into which I am finking ; and may Chriix 
give me more abundant degrees of fpiritual life and 
?.ctivitv, than I have ever yet received ; and may 1 be 
fo quickened and animated by him, that I may more 
than recover the ground I have l;fc, and make a 
more fgeedy and exemp ry progre-s, than in my beix 
days I have ever yet dor. : Send down upon me, O 
Lord, in a more rich z \ abundant effufion " thy 
good Spirit ; may he dwt me, as in a temple which 
he has confecrated to hii r *" ( p ) and while all the 

(0 Pfaimcxix. »5- (n») PfaJm <•- ■)> $°- (n) PfaJ. exxxix, 1$. 
(o) Zech. xii. xo» 1 Cor. iii. iC, 



Rfe^progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 247 

fervice is directed and governed by him y may " holy 
and acceptable facrifices be continually offered ;" ( q ) 
may the incenfe be cooftant, and may it be fragrant ; 
may the facred fire " burn and blaze perpetually ;v ( r ) 
and may none of its veffels. ever be profaned, by be- 
ing employed to an unholy or Fo<rb : ddeR ufe. Amen'* 

CHAP. XXIII. 

The fad cafe of aRelapfe into known and deliberate Sin, after 
Solemn Acts of Dedication to God> and form Progrefs made 
in Religion. 

Unthought of relapfes may happen. §1. and bring the foul into a 
miferable cafe. § a. Yet the cafe is not defperate. § 3. The backflider 
urged immediate y to return : (1.) By deep humiliation before God for 
fo aggravated an orFence. §4. (a ) By renewed regards to the divine mer- 
cy in Chrift. § 5. (3.) By an open profeffion of repentance, where the- 
crime hath given public offence. § 6. (4,) Falls to be reviewed for future 
caution, § 7. The chapter concludes, § 8. with a. prayer for the ufe of 
one who hath fallen into grofs fins, after religious resolutions and en- 
gagements, 

■ § i . X HE declenfions which I have defcribed in 
the foregoing chapter, mull be acknowledged worthy 
of deep lamentation ; but happy will you be, my 
dear reader^ if you never know, by experience, a 
circumftance, yet more melancholy than this. Perhaps, 
when you confider the view of things which you now 
have, you imagine that no considerations can ever 
bribe you, in any fingle inftance, to ad contrary to 
the prefent di&ates or fuggeftions of your confcience, 
and of the Spirit of God as fetting it on work. No : 
You think it would be better for you to die. And 
you think rightly. But Peter thought and faid fo 
too : " Though J fhould die with thee, yet will I not 
deny thee : '* <J) And yet, after all, he fell ; and 
ther-fore " be not high-minded, but fear." ( b ) It is 
net impoflible, but you may fall into that very fin, 
of which you imagine you are leaft in danger, or into 

(q) Rom* xiii J. CO Lev, vi. 13. (?) Matt, xxvi, 35. (b) Rom. xi. »o; 



24$ Rife, prcgrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

that againft which you have moft folemnly refolved^ 
and of which you have already moft bitterly repented. 
You may relapfe into it again and again. But O, if 
you do, nay, if you mould deliberately and prefump- 
tuoufiy fall but once, how deep will it pierce your 
heart ! How dear will you pay for all the pleafure, 
with which the temptation has been bated ! How 
will this feparale between God and you ! What a 
defolation, what a dreadful deflation, will it fpread 
ever your foul ! It is grievous to think of it. Perhaps 
in fuch a [tare you may feel more agony and diftrefs 
in your own confeience, when you come ferioufly to 
reflect, than you ever felt when you were firfl awak- 
ened and reclaimed ; becaufe the fin will be attended 
with feme very high2ggravatioi:s,beycnd thofe of your 
unregenerate ftate. iwell knew the peribn, thatfaid, 
" the agonies cf a finner in the firfl pangs of his re- 
pentance were not to be mentioned on the fame day, 
with thofe ef the backflider in heart, when he comes 
to be filled with his own way." ( c ) 

§ 2. Indeed it is enough to wound one's heart to 
think, how yours will be wounded : How all your 
comforts, all your evidences, all your hopes will be 
clouded ! What thick darkneis will fpread itfelf on 
ever/ fide, fo that neither fun, nor moon, nor ftars, ; 
will appear in your heaven ! Your fpiritual confola- 
tions will be gone ; and your temporal enjoyments 
will alfo be rendered taftelefs and infipid. And if 
afflictions be fent, as they probably may in order to 
reclaim you, a confeioufnefs of guilt will fharpen and 
invenom the dart. Then will the enemy of your foul i 
with all his art and pov/er rife up againft you, encoura- 
ged by your fall, and laboring to trample you down 
in utter hopelefs ruin. He will perfuade ycu, that 
you are already undone beyond recovery. He will 
fuggeft, that it fignifies nothing to attempt it any more ; 
for that every effort, every amendment, every aft cf 

(c) ProYo xiv. 14., 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the SouL 249- 

repentance, will but make your cafe, fo much the 
worie, and plunge you lower and lower into hell. 

§ 3. Thus will he endeavor by terrors to /keep 
you from that fure remedy, which yet remains* But 
yield not 10 him. Your cafe will indeed be fad ; and 
if it be now y ur cafe, it is deplorably fo ; and to reft 
in it would mil be much worie. Your heart would 
be hardened yet more and more ; and nothing could 
be expected, but L:dden and aggravated doftmction* 
Yet bhiTed be God, it is not quite hopelefs. " Your 
wounds are corrupted, becauie of ycur foolilhnefs ;" 
C d ) but tie gangrene is not incurable. ii There is a 
balm in Giiead, there is a phyfician there." ( e ) Do 
not therefore render your condition indeed hopelefs T 
by now faying, " there is no hope," ( f ) and drawing 
a fatal argument from that falfe luopofition for going 
after she idols you have loved. Let me addrefs you, 
in the language of God f o his backtliding people, when, 
they were ready to apprehend that to be their- cafe^ 
and to draw fuch a coiiclufion from it : " Only re- 
turn unto me faid the Lord." ( s ) Cry for renewed 
grace ; and in the Strength of it labor to return. Cry 
with David, under the like guile ; " I have gone aftray 
like a loft fheep, feek thy fervant ; for I do not for- 
get thy commandments ;" ( h ) and that remembrance 
of them is, I hope, a token for good. But if thou 
wilt return at all, do it immediately. Take not one 
ftep more in that fatal path, to which thou haft tur- 
ned afide. Think not to add one lin more to the ac- 
count, and then to repent ; as if it would be but the 
fame thing on the whole. The fecond error may be 
worfe than the firft ; it may make way for another 
and another, and draw on a terrible train of confe- 
quences, beyond .all you can now imagine. " Make 
--hafte therefore, and do not delay. Efcape, and fly, 
as for thy life," (') before si the dart ftrike through 

■(d) Pfal. xxxviii J. (e) Jer. viii. %%. (f) Jer. it. 15. (g) Jer. ill. I, iy 
[h) Ffaica cxix. 17$. (') Gen. xix, 17. 



■250 Rife, progrefs cf Religion in the Souh 

thy liver/' ( k ) c< Give not fleep to thine oves, nor {lum- 
ber to thiae eye-lids :" (*) Lie not down upon thy 
bed under unpardoned guilt, left evil overtake thee, 
left the fword of divine jufrice (hall unite thee ; and 
whilft thou purpefeft to return to-morrow, thou 
fhouldfit. this night go and take poffeflion of hell. 

§ 4. Return immediately ; and permit me to add, 
return folemnly. Some very pi- us and excellent di- 
vines have expreffed themfelves upon this head, in a 
manner which feems- liable to dangerous anife : when 
they urge men after a f "11, " not to flay to ■ furvey 
the ground, nor to confider h w they came to be 
thrown down, but immediately to get up and renew 
the race," In {lighter cafes, the advice is good : But 
when confidence has fuffered fuch violent outr?ge by 
the commiilion of known, wilful a d deliberate fin, 
(a cafe, which one would hope,fhould but feldom 
happen to thofe who have once fmcereiy entered on 
a religious courfe) I can by no means think, that 
either reafon or (cripture encourage fuch a method. 
E r pecially would it be improper, if the a£h'c n itfdf 
has been of fo heinous a nature, that even to have 
fallen into it on *h" mpft fudden furprize of tempta- 
tion muft greatly have aihomed,and terrified, anddif- 
rrefled the foul. Such an affair is dreadfully folemn, 
and fhould be treated ace rdingly. If this has been 
the fad cafe with you, my then unhappy reader, I 
would pity you, and mourn over y^u ; and would 
befeech y u, as you tender your peace, your recovery, 
the health and the very life of your foul, that you 
would not loiter away on hour. Retire immediately 
for ferious reflection. Break through other engage- 
ments and employments unlefs they be fuch as you 
cannot in c nfcie ce delay for a few hours, which 
can feldom happen in the circumftance I now fuppofe. 
This is the one thing needful. Set yourfelf to it, 

(k) ProY. vii. 23» CO PfOT, vi, 4. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the to/. 25 1 

therefore, as in the prefence of God, and hear at large 
patiently and humbly what confcience has to lay, 
though ir chide and reproach feverely. Yea, ear- 
neftly pray that God would fpeak to you by con- 
fcience and make you more m^roughly to know and 
feel, " what an evil and bitter thing 'it is, that you 
have thus forfaken him.'" ( m ) Think of all the aggrava- 
ting circumftances attending your offence- ; and ef- 
pscialiy think of thofe, which arile from abufed mercy 
and goodneis ; whkfr arife, not only from your fo- 
iemn vows and engagements to God, but from the 
views y u have had of a Redeemer's love, fealed eyea 
in blood. And re thefe the returns, ? Was it not 
en ugh, thatCh 1 i fhauld have been ** thus injured 
by his enemies r" iihuft he be " wounded in the houfe 
of his friends too !" ( n ) Were you " delivered to 
work filth abominations as thefe ?" (°) Did th? bief- 
fed Jefj-- groan and die for you, that you might fin 
with bol inefs and freedom, that you might extract, 
as it were, the very fpirit and effence of fin, and of- 
fend God to a height of ingratitude and bafcnefs, 
which would otherwife have been in the nature of 
things iinpoffible ? O think, how juftly God might 
call you out of his prefence ! How ju'ftly he might 
number you among the moft fignal inflances of his 
vengeance \ And think, how " your heart would en- 
dure, and your hands be ftrong, if he mould deal 
thus with you !" ( p ) Alas, all your former experiences 
would enhance your fenfe of the ruin and mifery, 
that muft be felt in an eternal banimment from the 
divine prefence and favor. 

§ 5.. Indulge fuch reflections as thefe. Stand the 
humbling light of your fins in fuch a view as this. 
The more odious and the more painful it appears, the 
greater profpeft there will be of your benefit by at- 
tending to it. But the matter is not to reft here. 

<m) Jer>» ii. 9. (n) Zech, xnu 6. (o)'Jer. vii. to. (p) Ezek, xjtiJ. I4» 



Z$1 &*fei prcgref: of Religion in the ScuL 

All thefe reflections are intended not to grieve, but 
to cure ; and to grieve no more, than may promote 
the cure. You are indeed to look upon fin ; but 
you are alfo, in fuch-a circumftance, if ever, to " lock 
upon Ghrift ; to look upon him, whom you have now 
pierced deeper than before, and to mourn for him 
with fincerity and tendernefs." ( q ) The God whom 
you have injured and affronted, v/hofe laws you have 
broken, and wh~fe juftice you have (as it we're) chal- 
lenged by this fooli'h. wretched ap fhcy, is neverthe- 
lefs " a moil merciful God." ( r ) You cannot be fo 
ready to return to him, as he is t: receive you. Even 
now ces he, as it were, IV licit a recondliati n, by 
thofe tender impreflions w ich he is making upon 
your heart. But remem' or, how he will be recon- 
ciled. It is in the very fame way, in which you 
made your firft approach to him.' In the parse, and 
for the lake of his dear Son, come therefore, in an 
humble dependence upon him. Renew your appli- 
cation to jefus, that his blood may (as it wer-) be 
fprinkled upon your foul, and your foul may thereby 
be purified, and your guilt removed. This very fin 
of yours, which the bleffsd God forefew, increafed 
the weight of your Redeemer's fufferings ; it was con- 
cerned in fhedding his blood. Humbly go, and 
place your wound?, as it were, under t;.e droppings 
ofthat precious balm, by which alone they can be 
healed. That companionate Saviour will delight to 
reftore you, when you lie as an humble fupplicant at 
his »3et, and will graciouily take part with you in that 
peace and pleafure which he gives. Through him re- 
new your covenant with God, that broken covenant 
the breach of which divine juftice might teach you to 
know " by terrible things in rightecufnefs : (0 But 
mercy allows of an accommodation. Let ihe coc- 
fciouihefs and remembrance of the breach engage" 

(?) Zech, sH, lo, (t) Deut, iv, 31* (s) Pfalm. Ixv. 5. 



Rife, prcgrefs of Religion in the Sout, 2$£ 

you to enter into covenant anew, under a deeper 
ienfe than ever of ycur own weaknefs, and with a 
more cordial dependence on divine grace for your 
fecurity, than you have ever yet entertained. I know 
you will be afhamed to prefent yourfelf among the 
children of God in his fan&uary, and efpecially at 
his table, under a confcioulnefsof fo much guilt : But 
break through that fhame, if Providence open you 
the w r ay. You will be humbled before ycur of- 
fended father ; but furely, there is no place where 
you are more Ike to be humbled, than wnen you fee 
yourfelf in his honfe ; and no ordinance adminiftred 
there can lay you lower, than that in which " Chrift 
is evidently let forth, as crucified before your eyes." 
(a) Sinners are the only perfons who have bufinefs 
jfrere. The beft of men come to that facred table, as 
finners : As fuch make your approach to it ; yea, as 
the greateft of finners ; as one who needs the blood 
of jefus, as much as any creature upon earth. 

§ 6, And let me remind you of one thing more : 
If your fall has been cf fuch a nature as to give any 
(caudal to others, be not at all concerned to fave ap- 
pearances, andto moderate thofemortiScarions which 
deep humiliation before them would occafion. The 
depth and p~ia of that mortification is isdeed an ex- 
cellent medicine, which God has in h : s wife g --odm-fs 
appointed for you in fuch circumftances as thefe. In 
fuch a cafe, confeis your fault with the greater frank- 
nefs : Aggravate it to the utmoft ; mtreat pardon, 
and prayer, from thofe whom you have offended. 
Then, and never till then, will you be in the way to 
peace ; not by palliating a fault, not by making 
vain excufes, not by objecting to the manner in v hich 
others may have treated you ; as if the leafi: excefs 
of rigor in a faithful admoni ;,iOn were a crime equal 
to forne great immorrlity that occafione ; it. Ihis 
can only proceed from the madnefs of pride and felf- 

<t> GaJ. Hi. i. 

(XXII) 



25 4 Rifti pTQgrefs of Religion in the SotiL 

love : It is the fenfibiiity of a wound, which is hard- 
ened, fwelled, and inflamed ; and it rauft be reduced 5 
and cooled, and fuppled, before it can pcffibiy be cur. 
ed. To be cenfured, and condemned by men, will 
be but a little grievance, to a foul thoroughly hum. 
bled andbroken under a fenfe of having incurred the 
condemning fentence of God. Such a one wiil rather 
deflretoglorifyGod,byfubmittingtodeferved blame ; 
and will fear deceiving others into a more favora- 
ble opinion of him, than he inwardly knows himfelf 
to deferve. Thefe are the fentimenfs- which G^-d 
gives to the fincere penitent in fuch a cafe ; and by 
thefe means he reilores him to that credit end regard 
among others, which he does not know how to feck ; 
but which, neverthelefs for the fake both of his com- 
fort and ufefulnefs, God wills that he mould have ; 
and which it is, humanly fpeaking, impoilible for 
him to recover any other way. But there is fome- 
thing fo honorable in the frank acknowledgment of 
a- fault, and in deep humiliation for it, that all who 
fee it muff needs approve it. They pity an offender, 
who is brought to fuch a difpofition ; and endeavor 
to comfort him with returning expreffions not only of 
their love, but of their efteem too. 

§ 7. Excufe th>s digreffion, which may fuit fome 
cafes ; and which would fuit many more, if a regular 
discipline were to be exercifed in churches : For on 
fuch a fuppofition, the Lord's fupper could not be ap- 
proached after vifible and fcandalous falls, without 
folemn confeffion of the offence, and declarations of 
repentance. On the other hand, there may be in- 
ftances of fad apoftacy, where the crime, though 
highly aggravated before God, may not fall under 
human notice. In this cafe, remember, that your 
bufinefs is with him, to whofe piercing eye every 
thing appears in its juft light : Before him therefore 
proftrate your fouls, and leek a folemn reconciliation 
withhiro, confirmed by *he memorials of his dying 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Still. 255 

Son. And when this is done, imagine not, that, be- 
caufe you have received the tokens cf pardon, the 
guilt cf yrur ap?ftacy is to be forgot at once. Bear 
it ftill in' your memory, for future caution; lament 
it before God, in the frequent returns of fecret de- 
votion efpecially : And view -with humiliation the 
fears, of thole wounds which your own folly occa- 
sioned, even when by divine grace they are thorough- 
ly healed. For God eftablifhes his covenant, not to 
remove the Tenfe of every pari abomination,, but 
u that thou mayeii remember thy ways, and be con^ 
founded, and never open thy mouth any more feecaufe 
of thy fhame, even when I am pacified towards thee 
for ail that thou haft done, faith the Lord." ( u ) 

58. And now, upon the whole, if you defire to 
arain fuch a temper, and to return by fuch ffeps as 
thiie, L:en immediately fall down before God, and ' 
pour out your heart in Ids prefence, in language like 
this— 

SPRAYER for -one -wl» has fallen into grefsfn, after r§~ 
Ugious Refokttions and Engagements* 

" O MOST holy, hTy, holy, Lord God ! When 
I feriouily refiecl on :hy Fpotlefs purity, and on the? 
itrici and impartial methods of thy Ready adminis- 
tration, together with that almighty power of thine, 
which is able to carry every thought of thine heart 
into immediate and full execution; I may jufrly ap- ■ 
pear before thee t l -is day with Ihame and terror, in 
confuiion and consternation of fpirit. This day, O 
my God, this dark mournful day. would I take oc- 
cafion to look back to that fid iource cf our guilt and 
our mifery, the apoftacy of our common parents* and - 
fay with thine offending fervani David, " beheld I 
was fhapen in iniquity, and in On did my mother- 
conceive me." (") This day would I lament all the 
fatal confequences of fuch a defceot with regard to 
myfelf. And O how many have they been !— ^Th© 

(u) Eaek. xvi. 63. (w)t»fal, li.5. 



2$ 6 Rifetprogrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

remembrance of the fins of my unconverted Rate, 
and the failings and infirmities of my after-life, may 
juftly confound" me : How much more fuch a fcene 
as now lies before my confeience, and before thine 
all feeing eye ! For " Thou, O Lord, knowe.it my 
foolifhnefs, and my fins are not hid from thee." (x) 
Thou telleft all my wanderings from thy itatutes : (>) 
Thoufeeit, and thou record eft every inftaneeof my 
difobedience to thee, and cf my rebellion agairlt 
thee : Thou feeft it in every aggravated circumfiance 
which I can difcern, and in many more which I never 
obferved or reflected upon. How then (hall I " ap- 
pear in thy prefenee, or lift up my face to thee L" ( z ) 
" I am full of confusion,'' ( a ) and' feel a fecret regret 
in the thought of applying to thee : But, " O Lord, 
to whom mould I go, but unto ihee ;" ( b ) unto thee, 
on whom depends my life, or my death, unto thee, 
who alone canft take away that burthen of guik, 
which nov/ prefies rae down to the duft, who alone 
caoft rePtcre to my foul that reft and peace which I 
nave Ion, ttikx wmen i delerve ever to lole f 

" Behold me, O Lord God, falling down at thy 
feet ; behold me, pleading guilty in thy prefenee and 
furrendering myfeif to that juftice which I cannot 
efcape ; I have not one word to offer in my own 
vindication, in my own excufe. Words, far from be- 
ing able to clear up my innocence, can never fufficient- 
ly defcribe the enormity and demerit of my fin. Thou, 

Lord, and thou only knoweft to the full, how 
heinous and how aggravated it is. Thine infi- 
nite undemanding alone can fathom the infinite 
depth of its malignity. I am, on many accounts, 
moft unable to do it. I cannot conceive the glory of 
thy facred Majefty, whole authority I have defpifed, 
nor the number and variety of thefe mercies, which 

1 have finned againft. I cannot conceive the value of 

£0 Pfal. Ixix. 5. (y) Pfal. Ivi. 8. ( z ) Ezek. ix. 6. (a) Job x. #' 
(b) Joha vi. 65. 



MJe 9 prcgrefs of Religion in the Soul. 257 

the blood of thy dear Son, which I have ungratefully 
trampled under my feet ; nor the dignity of that blef- 
fed Spirit of thine, whofe agency I have, as far as I 
could, been endeavoring to oppofe, and whofe work I 
have been, as with all my might, laboring to undo, 
and to tear up (as it were) that plantation of his 
gr.xe, w ich I mould rather have been willing to 
hive guarded with my life, and watered with my 
blood. O thebafenefs and madnefs of my conduct I 
That I fhould thus, as it were, rend open the wounds 
of my fotrl, of which 1 had died long ere tins, had 
not thine own hand applied a remedy, had not thine 
only Son bled to prepare it ! That I mould violate that 
covenant 1 have " made with thee by fdcrifice," ( c ) 
by the memorials of fach a facrifice too, even of Jefus, 
my Lord, whereby I am become " guilty of his body 
and blood 1" ( d ) That I mould bring fuch difhonor 
upon religion too, by fo unfuitable a walk, and per- 
haps open the mouths of its greater enemies to infult 
it upon my account, and prejudice foms againft it to 
their everiafting deftru&ion 1 - 

" 1 wonder, O Lord God, that I am here to 
own all this. I wonder, that thou haft not long ago ap- - 
peared " as a fwift witnefs againft me ;"' ( e ) that 
thou haft not difcharged ihe thunderbolts' of thy fla- 
ming wrath againft me, and cramed me into hell ; 
making me there a terror to all about me, as well as • 
to myfelf, by a vengeance and ruin, to be diliin- 
guifhed even there, where all are miferable, and all 
hopelefs. 

" O God, thy patience is marvellous ; but how 
much more marvellous is thy grace, which after all 
this invites me to thee ! While 1 am here giving judg- 
ment againft myfelf, that I deferve to die, to die for 
ever, thou art fending me the words of everlafting 
life, and " calling me, a backfliding child, to return * 

(c) Pfal. 1. J. (d) 1 Cor. xi. 27. (0 Mai, iii, J. 



: 25 B Rife^ progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

unto thee." ( f ) Behold therefore, O.Lcrd, invited by 
thy word, arid encouraged by thy grace, 1 come ; and 
great as my tranfgreffions are, I humbly befeech thee, 
freely to pardon them. Becaufe I know, that though 
my < " fms h;-ive reached unto heave:," ( g ) and " ere 
lifted up even to the ikies," ( h ) " Thy mercy, O 
Lord, is above the heaven." (') Extend that mercy to 
me, O heavenly Father ; and difplay, in this illuftrious 
inftance, the riches of thy grace^ and the prevalency 
of thy Son's blood \ For fur ly, iffuch crimfon fins 
as mine, may be made " white as {how and as wool," 
( k ) and iffuch a revclter as I am, be brought to eter- 
nal glory, earth muft, To far as it is known, be filled 
with wonder, and heaven with praife ; and the great- 
er! finner may cheerfully apply for pardon, if I the 
chief of fmners find it. And O that, when I have 
lain mourning, and as it were bleeding at thy feet, 
as long as thou thinkeft pre per, thou wouldft at 
length " heal this foul of mine which hath finned 
againft thee ;" (') ar.d " give me beauty for afhes, 
the oil of j.iy for mourning, and the garment of 
praife for the fpirit of heavinefs." ( m ) O that thou 
wouldft at length " reft ore unto me the joy of thy 
falvatioo, and make me to hear fongs of gladnefs, 
that the bones which rhou haft broken may rejoice." 
<") Then, when a fenfe of thy forgiving love is fried 
abroad upon my heart, and it is cheered with the 
voice of pardon, 1 will proclaim thy grace to others ; 
M 1 will teach tranfgrefTors thy ways, and fmners 
fhall be converted unto thee :'' (°) Thcfe, that have 
been backft'ding from thee, mall be encouraged to 
feek thee by my happy experience, which I will gladly 
proclaim for thy glory, though it be to my own fhame 
and confufion of face. And may this " joy of the 
Lord be my iirength," ( p ) fo that in it I may ferve 

(f) Jer. ill. 21. (g) Rev. xviii. 5, (h) Jcr. li. 9. (,) Pfal. cviii. 4. 
\W) Ifai. i. 18. (i) Pfal. xli. 4. (m) tfai, xli, 3. (a) Pial, U. 8, », 
•(0) Pfal. «, 13. (p) Neh. viii, 10, 



Rife, frogrefs ofReligim in the Sail. 259 

thee heBcefofward wi f h 3, vigor and zeal far beyond 
what 1 have hitherto known. 

" i his would I aik, with ail humble febmiflicn 
to thy will ; for i pre fume not to infill upon it. if 
thou fnouldft fee fit to make me a warning to others 
by appointing that I ihould walk all my days in dark- 
nefs, and at lau die under a cloud, thy will be done. 
But, O God, extend mercy for thy Son's fake, to this 
ftnful foul at laft ; and g : ve me ibme place, though 
it were at the feet of all thine other fsrvants in the 
regions of glory. O bring me at length, though it 
ihould be tnrough the glocmieit valley that any have 
ever palled, into that bielied world where I fhall de- 
part from God no more, where 1 fhall wound my 
own ccnfcience, and difhonor thy holy name no 
m0 re — Then fhall my tongue be loo fed, how long 
foever it might hrre be bound under the confufionof 
guilt ; and immortal praifes fhall be paid to that vic- 
torious blood, which has redeemed fuch an infamous 
flave of fm, as I mull: acknowledge myfelf to be, and 
br ught me, from returns into bondage and repeated 
pollution, to fhore the dignity and hcliners of thofe ? 
who are " kings and prieits unto God. 3 ' ( q ) Amen* 

CHAP. XXVI. 

The cafe of the Chriflian under the Hidings cf God's Face, 

Phrafe fcriptual. § I. it fignifies the withdrawing the tokens of the 
divine favour, § % chiefly as to fpiritual confiderations. § 3. This may 
become the cafe of any Chriftian, § 4. and will be found a very forrow.. 
ful one ; § J-. The following directions therefore) are giving to thofe who 
Aippofe it to be their own : i. To inquire whether it be indeed a cafe 
of fpiritual difrrefs, or whether a diiconfolate frame may not proceed 
from indifpofition cf body, § 6, or difficulties, as to worldly circum- 
itances. §7. if it be found to be indeed fuch, a& the title of the chapter 
propofes, be advifed, 11. To confider itas a merciful difpenfation of God, 
to awaken and beftir the foul ; and excite to a'ftrieT: examination of coa- 
fcience, and reformation of what has been amils. §8, 9. Itl. To he hum- 
ble and patient while the trial continues. § lo. IV. To go on fie^diJy in 
the way of duty. § il. V. To renew a believing application to the blood 
or, Jefus. § 12. And humble fupplication for one under thefe mournful 
exercifes of mind, when they are found to proceed from the fpiritual caufe 
footed. ; 

<<j) Rev, », 6. 



25 d Rip, pr0gr.fi of Religion in the Soul - 



HERE is- a c~vb which often occurs in 
the Chriftiaa life, which they who accurbm them- 
felves much to the exercife of devotion, have been 
u fed to call the hidings of God's lace. It is a phrafe 
borrowed from the word of God, which" I hope may 
fhelter it from cod tempt at the fir ft hearing. It will 
be my bufmefs in this chmptv r to ilate it as plainly as 
) can, an :i then to give fome advice as to your own 
conduct whei you fall into it, as it is very probable 
you may before you have flnimed your journey 
through this wildernefs. 

§ 2. The meaning of it may partly be under- 
flood by the oppofite phrafe, of " God's caulmg his 
face to fhir.e upxi a perfon, or lifting up upon him 
the light of his countenance. This feems to carry in 
it an allufmi to the pleafant and delightful appear- 
ance which the face of a friend has, and efpecially if 
in a fup:rior relation of life, when he ccnverfes with 
thofe whom he loves and delights i:i. Thus Job,, 
when fpealyn^ of the regard paid him by his atten- 
dants, fays, "If I fmiled upon them, they believed 
it not, and the light of my countenance they caft not 
(town \- C) that is, they were careful, in fuch an 
agreeable circumftance, to do nothing to difpleafe 
me, or (as we fpeak) to cloud my brow. And David, 
when expreflri'g his defire of the manifeftation of 
God's favor to him, fays, " Lord lift thou up the 
light of thy countenance upon me ;" and, as the 
ettecl: of it, declares, " thou haft put gladnefs into 
my heart more than if corn and wine increafed." ( b ) 
Nor is it impoflible, that in 'this phrafe as ufed by 
David, there may be fome allufion to the bright 
filming forth of the Shekinah.that is, the iuftre which 
dwelt in the cloud as the vifible fign of the divine 
prefence with Ifrael, which God was pleafed pecu- 
liarly to manifeft upon fome public occasions, as a 

(a) Job; xxix. 24. 0>) Pfeh iv. 6, 7. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sad* l&i 

token of his favor and acceptance.— On the crer 
hand therefore, for God to h'de his face$ mull imply 
the withholding ;he tokens » f his hvcur, and mult 
be efteemed a mark of his difpleafure. Thus ifaiah 
ufes it : " Ycnr iniqui ieshave feparafcd between you 
and ycnr God, and your fins have hid his face from 
ycu.'that he will not hear.' 5 ( c ) And again, " thou 
haft h : d thy face from us," as not regarding the ca- 
lamities we ftiiFer, s< and haft confumed us, becaufe 
of our iniquities/' ( d ) So ilk-wile, for God iC to hide 
his face from our fins," ( e ) fignifes to overlook them, 
and to take no farther notice of them. The lame 
idea is, ?.t ether times, expreffed by " GccTs hiding 

• his eyes" ( f ) from perfons of a character difagreeahle 
to him, when they come to addiefs him with their 
petition, not vcuchiafeirg (.is it were) to leek to- 
wards them. This is plainly the fcripturai feufe of 
the word ; and agreeably to 'this, it is generally ufed 
by Christians in nn_r day, and every thing 'wh ; ch 
feems a token of divine difpleafur^ towards them is 
exprefied by it. 

§ 3. It is farther to be obferved here, tkat the 

/ things which they judge to be mainfefcations of di- 
vine favour towards them, or complacency in them, 
are net only, nor chiefly of a temporal nature, or 
fuch as merely relate to -the. tlefiirgs of this animal 
and periihing life. David, though the promifes of 

- the law had a continual reference to fuch, yet was 
taught to look farther, and defcribes them as pre- 
ferable to, and therefore plainly diliinel from, " the 
blefhngs cf the corn-flower or the wine-prefc/ 5 ( g ) 
And if you, to whom I am now addrefling, do not 
know them to be fo, it is plain you are quite ignor- 
ant cf the fubjeel we are inquiring into, and indeed 
ere yet to take out the (hit lefibns cf true religion. 
All that David fays, of " beholding the beauty of 

(c) H&l Hx.S. (0) m, l^iv. 7. 0) Pfal. ii. 9. (;) I«..i. i|' v 
(*) Pfal. iv, 7,. 



2 6-2 Rife , progrefs cf Religion in the South 

the Lord," ( h ) or being •" fatisfisd as with msrrow 
and fatnefs,wnenhe remembered him on his bed," ()' 
as well as '* with the goodnefs cf his hcufe, even of 
his holy temple, 5 ' ( k ) is to be *akenin the fame fenfe, 
and can need very little explication to the truly ex- 
perienced foul, but thefe who have known the light 
of God's countenance, and the fhmings of his face, 
will, in proportion to the cepree of that knowledge, 
be able to form feme notion of the hiding of his face, 
or the withdrawing of I? tokens he has given his 
pecph of his prefence and favor, which fometimes 
greatly embitters prosperity ; as where the contrary- 
is found, it fweetens aiilict'ions, and often {wallows - 
up ihe [exile of them. 

§ 4. And give me leave to remind you, my Chrif- - 
tian friend, (for under that character i now addrefs 
my reader) thar to be thus deprive! of the ilnfe of 
God's love, and of the tokens of his favour, may 
foon be the cafe with you, though you may now have 
ths pleaibre to fee the can lie of the Lord min- 
ing up d you, or though it may even fern to be fun* 
fh'n and high noon in your f ul. Ycu may loofe 
your lively view? of the divine perfections and glories, 
in the contemplation of. which you now find that in- 
ward fafisfac&cn. Ycu may tank of the divine 
wifdom and power, of the d'vine mercy and fidelity, . 
rs well as of his righteoufnefs an:: hoiinefs, and feel 
little inward complacency of foul in me views. It 
may be, win refpeel: to any lively impreffions 3 as if 
it were the contemplation merely of a coin mon ob- 
ject. It may feem to you, as if yau had loft all idea 
of tnoie important words, though the view has fome- 
times •fwalbwed up your whole f ul in^ fcranfperts of 
aftonifhment, admiration and love. Ycu may loofe 
your delightful fenfe of the divine favor, it may 
be matter of great and fad doubt with you, whether 
you do indeed belong to God ; and all the work cf 

(h) Pfai. xxvii. 4. (i) Pfai. lxiii. St 6« ( k ) ?M* Ut. * 



Mife, progre/s of Religion in the Sod. 263 

his bleffed Spirit may be fo veiled and -{haded in the 
foul, that th? peculiar characters, by which the hand 
of that lacred Agent might be diftinguifhed, (hall be 
in a great meafure lofh ; and you may be ready to 

- imagine, you have only deluded yourfeif in all the 
former hopes you have entertained. In confequence 
of this, thofe ordinances, in which you now rejoice, 
may grow very uncomfortable to you, even when 
-you do indeed defire communicu with God in thenr. 
Ycu may hear the mo'i delightful evangelical truths 
opened, you may hear the privileges of Gcd's chil- 
dren moft affectionately reprefeiited, and not be 
aware that you have any part er lot in this matter .; 
and from that very coldnefs and inienftbiiity may be 
drawing a farther argument, that you have- n: thing 

; to do "With them. And then your heart may " me- 
ditate terror," ( l ) and under the diflrefs that over- 
whelms you, your dearer! enjoyments may be reflect- 
ed upon as adding to the weight of it, and making it 
more fenfible, while ycu conlider that you had once 

- fucli a taite for thefe things, and have now loft it all. 
So that perhaps it may feem to you, that they, who 
never felt any thing at all of religious impreiTions, 
are happier than you, or at leaft are lefs miferable. 
You may perhaps in thefe melancholy hours, eves 
doubt, wheher you have ever prayed at ail, and 
whether all that ycu called your enjoyment of God, 
were not fome faife delight, excited by the great 
enemy of fouls, to make you apprehend that your 
ftate was good, that fo you might continue his more 

• fecure prey. 

§ 5. Such as this may be your cafe for a con- 
fiderabie time; and ordinances may be attended in 
vain, and the prefence of God may be in vain fought 
in them. Ycu may pour out your foul in privace, 
and then come to public worfhip, and find little fatis- 
faclion in either ; >ut be forced to take up the pfal- 



264 Ri r e, progrefs cf Religion in ike Soul. 

mill's complaint ; " My God, I cry in the day-tim€, 
but thou heareit not ; and in the night feafon, and 
am not Bent 5" ( ra ) or that cf Job, •« Behold I go 
forward, hut he is not there, and backward, but I 
cannot perceive him ; on the left hand where he doth 
work, but I can^cf behold him ; he hideth himfeif on 
the right hand that I cannot fee him :" ( n ) So that 
all, which looked like religion in your mni 9 (hall 
feem, as it were, to be melted into grief, or chilled 
into fear, or crushed into a deep fenfe of your ov/n 
unw rtdnefs ; in coofequence cf which, you fholl not 
dare fo much as to lift up your eyes before God, and 
bealnrrt afhamed to take your place in a worship- 
ping affembly am erg any that you think his fervants. 
I have kn^wn this to be the cafe of fome excellent 
Chriftians, whrfe improvements in religion have 
Veen di?drgu : fhed, a::d whom God hath honored 
above many of their brethren in what he hath done 
for them, and by them. Give me leave therefore, 
having thus defcribed it, to offer you fome plain ad- 
vices with regard to it ; and let not that be imputed 
to enthufiaftic rancy, which proceeds from an inti- 
mate and frequent view of fa&s on the one hand, and 
from a fincere affectionate defire, on the other, to re- 
lieve the tender, pious hear: in fo def date a Hate. At 
leaft, I am periuaded, the attempt will not be over- 
looked or difapproved by " the great fnepherd cf the 
iheep," (°) w. o has charged us to " comfort the fee- 
ble minded." ( p ) 

§ 6. And here I would firft advife you moil care- 
fully to inquire, whether your pre'ent diftrefs does 
indeed arii'e from cauL-s which are truly fpiritual ? 
Or whether it may not rather have its foundation in 
fome diforder of body, or in the circumixances of 
life, in which you ^re providentially placed, which 
may break your fpirits' and deject your mind ? The 
influence oft he inferior part of our nature, on the 

{ta) Pfal. xxii, 2. CO Job. xxiii. 8, % ( ) Keb. xiii. so. (o) I Tbefl*. v. 14. 



Ri/>, progPefs of Region in the Sou!, 265 

nobler, the immortal fpirit, white we continue in this 
embodied iiate, is fo evident, that no attentive per- 
ibn can, in the general, fail to have obferved it ; and 
yet, there are cales, in which it feems not to be fuf- 
nciently coniidered ; and perhaps your own may be 
one of them." The if ate of the blood is often iuch, 
as neceilarily to fugged gloomy ideas even in dreams, 
and co indiipofe the foul for taking pleafure in any 
thing : And when it is fo, why fhould it be imagined 
to proceed from any peculiar divine diipleafure, if it 
does not find its ufual delight in religion ? Or why 
fnould God be thong' it to have departed from us, 
b° caufe he Curlers natural cauf ;s to produce natural 
feSe&STj without oppofing by miracle to break the con- 
nection ? When this is the cafe, the help of the phy- 
fician is to be f -light, rather than that of the divine, 
or at leaii, by all means, together with it ; and me- 
drine, diet, exercife ana air, may, in a few weeks, 
-effect that, which the ftrongeft reafonings, the moft 
pathetic exhort ations or confclations, might for many 
months have attempted in vain. 

§ 7. In other inftances, the dejection and feeble* 
iiefs of the mind may arife from fomething uncomfor- 
table in our worldly circumiiances ; thefe may cloud 
as well as diitract the thoughts,nnd embitter the tern* 
per, and thus render us in a great degree unfit for 
religious Cervices or pleafures ; and when it is fo, the 
remedy is to be fought in fubmifficn to divine provi- 
dence^ in abfi racting our affections as far -as pofhble 
from the prefent world, in a prudent care to eafe our- 
ftives of the burthen fo far as we can, by moderating 
imneceffary expences y and by diligent application to 
buiiriefs, in humble dependence on the divine blef- 
fhg ; in the mean time, endeavoring by faith to 
lo:k up to him, who fometimes fufTers his children to 
be br light into fuch difficulties, that he may endear 
■ :re fenf:bly to them by the method he fhall 
take for thdr relief. 

(XXIII) 



/z6& Rife, progrefs bf Religion in the Scut. 

§ 8, On the principles here bid down, it may, 
perhaps, appear on inquiry, that the dlftrefs complain- 
ed of, may have a foundation very different from 
what was at fnii fuppofed- But where the health is 
found, and the circumftances are eafy ; when the 
animal (pints are difpofed for gaiety and entertain- 
ment, while all tajte for religious ' pi eafure is in a 
manner gone ; when the foul is feiz-^d with a kind 
of lethargic infer- fibility, or what I had alrnoft caited, 
a paralytic weaknefs, with refpecr. to every religious 
exercife, even though there mould not be that deep 
terrifying difrrefs, or pur.gent amazement, which I 
before reprefented as the effecl: of melancholy ; nor 
that arx : ety abcutthe accommodations of life, which 
f:raight circumstances naturally produce : I would in 
that cafe vary my advice, and urge ycu, with all 
poflible attentipp an 3. impartiality, to fearch into the 
caufe which has brought upon you that great evil, 
under which you juTiy mo.rn. And probably, in 
the general, the caufe is fin ; fome (beret fin which 
has net been difcovered cr cbferved by the eye of 
the world ; for the enormities that draw on them 
the observation and cenfure of others, will probably 
fail under the cafe mentioned in tine former chapter, 
as they mult be instances of known and deliberate 
guilt.' Now the eye of God hath feen thefe evils 
which have efcaped the notice of your Mow crea- 
tures ; and in eonfequence of this care to conceal 
them from others, while you could not but know 
they were open to him. God has feea himfelf in a 
peculiar manner aitront ad, and injured, I had almost 
laid infuited by them : And hence his righteeus dif- 
pleafure. O 1 let that never be forgotten, which is 
fa plainly faid, fo commonly known, fo familiar to 
almoft every religious ear, yet too little felt by any 
of our hearts. " Your iniquities have feparated 
between you and your God, and your fins have hid 



Rtfc pragrefi of Religion in the Soul ■ ao / 

"Sis face from you that he will not hear" ( q ) And 
- this is on the whole, a merciful Miip2niation <zS God, 
though it may feem ievere ; regard it not, therefore, 
merely as your calamity, but as ihteMed to awatei 
you, (hat you may not content yourfelf, even wirhr 
iving in tears of 'humiliation before the Lord, but 
like Jolhua rife and exert yourfelf vigorouily, to put 
away from you that accurfed thing what ever it be. 
Let this be your immediate and earn eft care, that 
your pride may be humbled, that your watchfulaeis 
maybe maintained, (hat your afleciicns to the world 
. may be deadened, and that, on the whole, your lin- 
nets for heaven may in every refpecl be increased. 
Thefe are the dehgns of your heavenly Father, and 
kt it be your great concern to co-operate with them. 
§ 9. Receive it, therefore, on the whole, as the 
noil important advice that can be g : ven you, immedi- 
ately to enter en a ftrict examination of your c;>n-~ 
fcieece. Attend to its gentlefL whifpers, if a fufp£ 
cion arifes in your min 3, that any thing h:ts net been 
rip.ht, trace that fulpicion, fearch ioto every fecret 
foiling of ycur heart ; improve to the purpefes of a 
fuller difecvery, the advices of your friends, the re- 
proaches of your enemies ; recollect: for what 3^000 
heart hath fmitten you at the table of the Lord, for 
what it would finite you, if you were upon a dyiag 
bed, and within this. hour to enter on eternity. When 
you- have made any difcovery, note it down, and go 
oh in your fearch till you can fay, thefe ere the re- 
maining corruptions of my heart," thefe are the finer 
and follies of my life; this have I neglected; this 
have I done amifs. And when the account is as com- 
plete as you can make it, fet yourfelf in the forength 
of God to aflrenucus reformation, or rather begku he 
reformation of every thing that f reins amiis ?s Icon as 
ewr you difcover it ; 4S return to the Almighty and 
then (halt be built up; and put iniquity far from thy 

hYIl&i, Hi. 1, 2. 



2^8 Ri/e 9 progrefs cf Religion hi the Sauk 

tabernacle, then (halt thou have thy delight in the AI-" 
mighty, and fhalt lift up thy face unto God. Thbii 
(halt make thy prayer unto him, and he fhall hear 
thee, thou fhalt pay thy vows unto him, and nis light 
fhall fhine upon thy ways. J? ( r ) 

§ 10. In the mean time be waiting for God with 
the deepen: humility, and fubmit yourielf to rhe dif- 
cipline cf your heavenly Father, acknowledging his 
juftiee, and hoping In his mercy ; even when your 
conference is ban: fevere in its remonftraBoes, and 
difcovers nothing more than the ecramen infirmities 
of God's people ; yet fall bow yourielf down before 
him, and own, that ho many are the evils cf your befh 
days, fo many the imperfections of your heft fervices, 
that by ihirrn you have def-rved all, and mcie than 
all that yen fuffer ; (iefetved not only that yeur Fun 
fiiouli be cbuded, but that it fhculd go down, and 
arife no mere, but leave your foul in a ftate c?f t?cr- 
laftihg darknefs. And while the (hade continues, be 
cot impatient. Fret rot yourielf in any wife, but 
rather with a holy calmnefs and gentlenefs cf foul, 
* s wait on the Lord."( f ) Be willing to flay his time, 
willing to bear his frown, in humble hope that he will 
at length " return and have conipafficn on you."(t) 
He " has not utterly forgotten to be gracious, noi- 
re i'ive-i that he will be favorable no more." O "For 
the Lord will not cart off forever; but though he 
caufe grie£ yet will he have companion according io 
the multitude of his mercies.' 5 ( x ) it is comparatively 
but lor a uuall moment that he hides his tace from 
you } but you may humbly hepe, that <c with great 
mercies he will gather you, and that with everlasting 
kiMraefs he will have mercy on you. s '( y ) Thefe (ratable 
wcrhs are act mine, but his ; and they wear ihis, as 
in the very front of them, " that a foul under the hid- 
ings .f -' pd*s face, may at leaf!' be one whom he will 

(r) Job xxii. 23, 26, 27. 
(u) Pialxn lix\ii. 7, 8. 



(s) Pialm xxxvii. 34, 


(0 >-*• 


%Yu 


15= 


[xj Lam. iii. il } \Z> 


h) mt 


, lit. 


hi 



Kife. progrefs cf Religion mtkeSouL 269 

gather, and to whom he will extend everlaftihg favor, 5 ' 
§ 11. But while the darknefs continues, go on 
in the way of your duty. Continue the uu >f means 
and ordinances ; read and meditate ; pray, yes, _ and 
ling the praifes of God too, though it may be with; a 
heavy heart. Follow "the footfteps of his flock ;" ( 7 ; 
you may perhaps meet the fhepherd of fouls in doby, 
it. Place yourfelf at leaft in his way : It is pbjSibls 
you may by thefe means, get a kind look from him; 
and one look, one turn of thought which may happen 
in a moment, may, as it were, create a heaven in your 
ioul at once. Go to the table of the Lord. If you 
cannot rejoice, go acid mourn there. " Go and mourn 
that Saviour, whom by your fins you have pierced;" 
C) go and lament the breaches of that covenant, 
which you have there fa often confirmed. Chrift 
may, perhaps, "make himfelf known unto you in the 
breaking of bread ,"( b ) and you may find to your fur 
prife, that he hath been near you, when you imagined 
he was at the great eft diilance from you; near you, 
when you thought you were cait out of his pretence, 
Seek your comforts in fuch employments as thefe, and 
not in the vain amufemeots of the world, and in the 
pleafures of feufe. I (hall never forget that affection- 
ate exprefiion, which I am well aflured broke out from 
an eminently pious heart, then almoft ready to break 
under its forrows of this kind ; " Lord, if I may not 
enjoy thee, let me enjoy nothing eife, but go down 
mouroing after thee to the grave." I wondered 
not to hear, that almoft as foon as this fentiment had 
been breathed cut before God in prayer, the bur- 
den was taken off, and the joy of God's falvation 
reftored. 

§ 12. I mall add but one advice more ; and that 
is, that you renew your application to the blood of 
Jefus, through whom the reconciliation between God 
and your foul has been accomphfhed. It is " he that 

{*) Song Sol. 1. 8. (a) Zecn. xr. 10. (b) Luke xxiv «.: 

(XXIII 2) 



270 Rife^progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

is our peace, and by his blood it is that we are made 1 
nigh:" ( c ) It is "in him, as the beloved of his foul, 
that God declares he is well pleafed;"( d ) and it is 
" in him that we are made accepted, to the glory of 
his grace." f) Go therefore, Q Chriftian, and apply 
by faith to a crucified Saviour ; Go and apply to him"' 
as to a merciful Kigh-Prieft, " and pour out thy 
complaint before him, and fhew before him thy trou- 
ble." Lay open the diftreis and anguilh of thy foul 
to him, who once knew what it was to fay, (O aften- 
Sfhing ! that he of all others fiiould ever have fa'.d it) 
" My God, my God, why haft thou forfaken me I" 
( 5 ) Lock up for pity and relief to him, who himfelf 
fullered, heicg not cnly tempted, but with regard to 
fenfible inamfeftaticns defer ted ; that he might thus 
know how to pity thcfe that are in fuch a melancholy 
cafe, and be ready, as well as "able, to fuccGiir them."' 
( h ) He is "Immanuel, God with, us ;"(') and it is 
only in and through him, that his Father mines forth 
up h us with the mild eft beams of mercy and cf love- . 
Let it be therefore year immediate care to renew 
your acquaintance with him. Review the records of 
his life and death ; hear his words ; behold his ac- 
tions ; ar.d when you do fo, furely you will find a fa- 
cred fweetnefs dinufing itfelf over your fcul ; ycu 
will be brought into a calm, gentle, f'lerit frame, in. 
which faith and iove will operate powerfully, and God 
may probai ly caufe the " ftill fmall voice cf his com- 
forting Spirit to be hear-VT) till your fculburfts cut 
into a fong of praiie, and you may be " mr de glad 
according to the days in w> ich ycu have been ami&- 
ed." ( l ) In the mean time, fuch language as ti e lol- 
lowing fuppiication {peaks, may he iuitable. 
AnhumbkSvppiieatknfGi me under the Hidings oj God y s Face* 

(c) Eph. ii. 13, 14. (d) Mat. ill - 17. (e) Eph. ;• 6. 
(f) Pfai. cxlii. a. (e)Mar.xxvii. 46. (h) Heb.ii. 18. 

(')Mat-, i. 23. (k) 1 Kings xjx., 13. (1) P/al. xc. ij, 



a'//.', progrefs of Religion in the Sou!, Tf$. 

. " BLESSED God, " with thee B the founts a 
cf life," C) and of happinefs. I adore thy name that 
I have ever tailed of thy fa-earns ; that I have ever 
felt the peculiar pleafure ari hug from the light of thy 
countenance, and the fhedcliog abroad of thy leve on 
my fcul. But alas, thele delightful fealbns are new to 
me no more; and the remembrance of them engages 
me to " to pour out my foul within me."( n ) I would' 
come, as I have formerly don?, and call thee with the 
fame endearment, my Father, and my God; but alas.-, 
I know not how to do it ; guilt and fear arife and for- • 
bid the delightful language; I feek thee, O Lord, 
but 1 feek thee J n vain ; 1 would pray, and my lips 
are fealed up ; I would read th f word, and all the 
promifes of it are veiled from mine eyes ; I frequent 
thofe ordinances, which have been formerly mofr 
nourifhing and comfortable to my fcul, but alas, they . 
are only the fhadows of ordinances, the iubilance' 
is gone ; the animating Spirit is fled, and leaves theiir 
now at belt but the image of what I once knew them. 
cc But, Lord, haft u thou cad off forever, and 
wilt thfAvbe favorable no more?" (°) Haft thou in aw- 
ful judgment determined, that my foul muft be left to 
a perpetual winter, the fad emblem s>f eternal dark^ • 
nefs ? Indeed I deierve it mould be fo. I acknowl- 
edge, O Lord, I ^deferve to becafVaway from thy 
prefence with difdain ; to he funk lower than I am ; 
much lower; I deferve fo have "theihadow of death 
upon mine eye-lids," ( p ) and even to be furrounded 
with the thick gloom of the infernal prion. But haft 
thou not raifed multitudes, who have deferred like 
me, to be " delivered into chains of darknefs," ( q ) to 
the vinous of thy glory above, where no cloud can 
ew-r int^rpoie between thee and their rejoicing fpirits. 
i£ Hove mercy up do me, O Lord, have mercy upon 
me ; 5, (') and though mine iniquities have now juftly 

(rn) PO!. xxxv!. 9, (n) Pfal. xKL .4. (o) |>fal. Ixxvli. 7. 
(pi Jq& xvi, 10. (0) % JPe£, ii. 4, ( r ) Pfal. exxiii, 3, 



272 R{ r J, pr$gre/s of Religion in the SouL 

w caufed. thee to hide thy face from me,"( f ) y«t be 
theu rather pieaf ed, .agreeably to the gracious lan- 
guage of thy word, to " hide thy face iron) my fins, . 
and to blot out all mine iniquities." ( l ) Cheer my 
heart with the tokens of thy returning favor, and 
"fay unto my foul, I am thy ialvation." («) 

" Remember, O Lord God, remember that 
dreadful day, in which Jems, thy dear Son, endured 
what my fins have deferved ; remember that agony, 
in which he poured out his foul before thee* and faid, 
" my God, my God, why Raft thou forfaken me!"( x ) 
Did he not, O Lord, endure all this, that humble pen- 
itents might through him be brought near unto thee, 
and might behold thee with pleafure 7 as their Father 
and their God ? Thus do 1 defrre to come unto thee. 
Bleiied Saviour, art thou not appointed " to give un- 
to them that mourn in Zicn, beauty for afhes, the oil 
of joy for mourning, and the garment of praife for 
the fpirit of freavinefs :"( y ) O wain away my tears, 
anoint my head with "the oil of gladnefs, and clothe 
me with the garments of falvatbm" (*) 

" O that 1 knew where I might find thee;" ( a > 
O that I knew what it is, that has engaged thee to 
depart frcm me ; I am "fearching and trying my 
ways/'^) O that thou wonldft " fearch me, and 
knocv my heart, (ry me and know my thoughts, and 
if there be any wicked way in me. cifccver it, and 
lead me in the way everlaftinej ;"( c ) in that way, in 
which I may " find reft and peace for my foul," ( d ) 
and feel the difcoveries of thy love in Chrift. 

" O God, " who didft command the iight to 
fTiine out of darkneis," ( e ) fpeak but the word, and 
light Ihall dart into my foul at once. " Open thou 
my lips, and my mouth ihall fhew forth thy praife," 

(s) Ifai. iix. 2. (t) Pfal. ]i, 9. (u) PfaJ. xxxv. 3. 

(x) Mat. xxvii. 46. (y) liai. 1x3. 3. (z) Ifai. lxi. 10. 

^) Job. xxHi. 3. (b) Lam. iij. 40. (c) Pfal. cxxxix. 13. 24. 

{o)]pi, vi. 16. £e)i€or. iv. 6. 



Rife, progrefs cf Religion in the So/A :• 7 > 

( r ) mail burft into a cheerful fong, which (hall difplay 
before thole whom myprefent dvjech..::.s may have 
diicouraee: 1 , the piealurcs and iupports of religion. 
" Yet, Lord, en the whole 3 1 fubrait to thy Willi 

If it is thus that my fakh muft be exercifed, by walk- 
ing in darknefs for days, and months, and years to 
come, how long foever they may feem, how long io* 
ever r ey may be. I will fubmit ; ilili will I adore thee 
as " the God of ifrael, and the Saviour, though thou 
artaGodthrt hideft thyfelf ,;f ( g ) fell will I '' nam 
in toe name of the Lord, and flay myielf upon my 
God; s * ( ;; ) '''■ truftingin thee, though then Say me;" 
" and waiting for thee, mere than {hey that watch 
for the morning, yea, more than they that watch for 
the morning;" ( k ) tterad venture " ia the evening 
time it may be light." ( T ) I know, that then had: fmie- 
times manifciled thycomp fli m to thydyi&g kr varus, 
and given therm in "the iowefi: ebbcf their Eararal fp> 
rts, a full die of divine glory, thus turning v: ' dark- 
nefs into light before them," ( m ) So may it pleate thee 
to gild iC the valley of the ihadow of death with t:\z 
Yght of thy pre fence, when I am palling through it, 
and to "fir rich forth thy rod and thy naff to com- 
fort me/' O that my tremblings may ceaie, and the 
gloom may echo with fongs of praife. But if it bo 
thy fovereign pleeiure, that diftreis and ditrknels 
fhnuid continue to the lalx motion of my pulfe, and 
the ia(t galp of my breath, Olet it cecfe with tee part- 
iag flroggle, and bring me to Ci that light which is 
(owe for the righteous, and to that gladneis which is 
reserved for the upright in heart 5" (°) to the ULcIoud--. 
ed regions of evrrlafting fpiendor and joy, where iae 
full anointings of thy Spirit mall i; be pcured out on 
all toy neopie, and diou wilt no more nide toy lace 
from any of them. 5 ' ( p ) 

(f) Pful.li. 15. (2) Ifai. xlv: 15. 00 I fas I 10. 

(i) Job. xiii, 15. (kj Pfal. cxtx. 6. () Zech. xiv. 7. 

(m) ilai. xiii. 16 (ri) Pfex. xxiii. .4. (V) Fi'ai, xcvii, II. 
(p) Ezsk, xj&xl.i, 29. 



2?4- &A prcgrefs of ReU'gion in the Sml 

" This, Lord, is thy falvation for which I am 
waiting; ( q ) and whilft I feel the defires of my foul 
drawn out after it, I will never detpair of obtaining 
it. Con inue and increafe ihofe deiires, and at length 
fatisfy and exceed them ail 5 through the riches of thy 
grace in Chrift Jefus. Amen?' ■ ' 

CHAR XXV.. 

The Ckrijiian ftruggling lender great anc\ heavy Afflictions 

Here it is advifed, (i) That affli&ions fhould be expe&cd. § i. (2.)' 
Th?.tthe ripVue -nsband'of God fhoulc^ be acknowledged in them, when 
f 1 1 — . y come. § 2. (3 ) Thar the} fliould be borne with patience. §3. (4 ) 
That the divine conduct in them fhould be cordially approved. § 4. (5) 
That thank fa neifs fhoujd be maintained in the nildft of trials. £5, (6.) 
That the defign of rffli&ions fhoutd be diligently inquired into, and *!l 
proper rThftance taken in difcovering it. § 6 (7.) That vsl^en it is disco- 
vered, if fliouVd humbly be corr.^liea with and unfvvered. § 7. A prayer. 
ftthed to fuch a cafe. 

§ t. i^INCE cc man is born unto trouble, as the 
fpnrks fly upward," ( a ) and Adam has in tailed on all 
his race the fad inheritance of calamity in their way to 
death, it will certainly be prudent and neceflary, that 
we fhould ail expect to meet with trials and afihclions ; 
and that you, reader, whoever you are, fhculd he 
eneeav.riag to g'rd en your armcur, and put your-i 
felf into a pc dure to encounrer thofe trials, which will 
fall to your lot as a man, and a Chriftian. Prepare 
yourfdf to receive afflictions, and to endure them, in 
a manner agreeable to both thofe chars clers. In this 
view, when you fee others under the burthen, ccn- 
fider how porTiLle it is, that you may be called out 
to the very fame difficulties, or to ethers equal to 
them. Put your foul, as in the place of theirs. Think, 
how you could endure the load, under which they lie ; 
and endeavor at once, to comfort them, and to ftrength- 
en your own heart : Or rather pray, that God wcuid 
do it. And obferving how liable mortal life is to fuch 

(<i) Gen. xlix. i3^ (a) Job* v, 7, 



farrow*, moderate vour expectations from it ; raife 
Your thoughts ebovi it; and form your fchemes of 
feppiasfe, oislv for that world, where they cannot be 
(fifappoisted :'in the mean time, bleilmg God, that 
your profperity is lengthened out thus far, and af-. 
cribing it to his (pedal providence, that you continue 
ib long unwcunded, when lb many mowers of arrows 
are flying around yc u, and ib many, are falling by 
them,' on the right hand, and on the left. 

§ 2. vv neo at length your turn comes, as it cer- 
tainly will, from the nral hour in which an affliction 
feizes you. r olize to yourfelf the hand of God in it, 
and Lis not the view of him in any fecond caufe, 
which may have proved the immediate occafron. Let 
it be vour firft car?, to Ci humble yourfelf under the 
mighty hand of God, that he may exalt, you in due 
time/' ( b ) Own, that " he is jufi in all that is rcught 
upon you," ( c ) and that in al! male things^ 4 ' he pun- 
ifhes you lei's than your iniquities deierve." ( d ) Com- 
pote . yourfelf to bear has hand with patience, to 
glorify his name by a fubmiffion to his will, and to 
fall in with the gracious deiign of his viiltation, as 
wtll as to wait the iuue of it quie ly, whatfbever the 
event -nay be. 

§ 3. Now that patience may u have its perfect 
work*" ( e ) refle& frequently, and deeply, upon your 
own meannefs "and nnfulnefs. Cormder how often 
every mercy has been forfeited, and every judgment 
deferved. And confide* too, how long the patience 
of G ?d hath borne with you, and how wonderfully 
it is frill exerted towards you ; and indeed, not only 
his patience, but his bounty too. Airlifted as you 
are (for I fpeak to you now as actually under the 
prefTure)iook round and furvey your remaining mer- 
cies, and be gracefully fenfible of therm Make the 
'.. fuppofiu :>n of their being removed : What if God 
fhould flretch out his hand againfc you, and add pov- 

(b) I Pet. v. 0. (c) Neh. ix. 33. (d) Ezr. ix. 13. (e) jani. 



27 1 pife) progrefs of Religion in the Sohl. 

erty to pair, or pain to poverty, or t K elois of friends 
to both ; or the death of fiiiV.ving friends to that of 
thole whom you are new mctir : g ever ; would not 
the wound be more grievous ? Adore his gocdnds, 
that thhs is not t e cafe ; en take eei left, your un- 
thankfulnefs fheuld pr:v ke him to multiply yeur 
forrows. Coniiocr alfo the' need ycu have f difci- 
pline : how v/holefeme it may prove t > your foul, and 
what merciful defigns our heavenly Father has, in all 
the corrections he fends upn his ci ildren. 

§ 4. Ney [will a d-d, that, hi eenfequence of all 
thefe cc moderations it may well be expect' d, not only 
that you ihoula fubmit to your eirl'cleoosas what you 
cannot avoid, but that you fheuld fweetly acquiefco 
in theni and :• pprove t 1 em ; that you (hculd not only 
jult'ly, but gl:rify God in fending them ; that ycu 
iheiil 4 glorify him with your heart, m:<d with ycur 
too. Thmk not praihh unfuitable on inch an cc- 
caiion ; nor think thr.t praife alone to be fuitable, 
which tak- sits rife from remaining comforts: But 
know that it is ycur duty, not only to be thankful in 
your afflictions, but to be thankful on account of 
them. 

j 5. God himfelf has faid, " in every thing give 
thanks ;"( f ) and he has taught his fervanrs to fay, 
wi yea alfo we glory in tribulation/' ( g ) And nicii 
certain it is, that to true believers t hey are innances 
•of divine mercy ; fer u whom the Lord loveth he 
cmtftenethi and fcourgeth every fon whom he re:ei- 
veth" witb peculiar and diftinguifhed endearment. ( h ) 
View yeur prefeot alilicdions in this light, as chefteie- 
ment> of love ; and then let your own heart fay, 
whether love does not demand praife. — Think with 
is thus that God is making 10 e confer- 
va Son : it is thus that he is treining 
me up For complete glory. Thus he kills my corrup- 
tion's i thue he ftrengthens my grace; thus he is 

0) 1 Thcil. '■-. i3. (0 Rom. v. 3. 00 H b. xti, C 



Rife, pfogrc/s cf Rejtgion in the Soul* 2$f 

wifely contriving to bring me nearer to himfelf, and 
to ripen me for the honors of his heavenly kingdom. 
It is u if need be, that I am in heavinefs ;*" ( l ) and he 
furely knows what that need is better than I can pre* 
tend to teach him; and knows what peculiar proper- 
ty there is m this affliction, to anfwer my preient 
neceffity, and to do me that peculiar .good which he 
is gracioufly intending me by it. Thus tribulation 
mall " work patience, and patience experience, and 
experience a more allured hope ; even a hope which 
ihall not make afhamed, while the love of God i*. 
'fhed abroad in my heart," ( k ) and mines through mf 
afflictions, like the fun through a gently defcending 
cloud, darting in light upon the made, and mingling 
fruitfulnefs with weeping." 

§ 6. Let it bs then your earner! care, while you 
thus look on your affliction, whatever it may be, as 
coming from the hand of God, to improve it to the 
purpofes for which jt was fent. And that you may 
To improve it, let it be your £rft concern, "to know 
what thofe purpofes are. Summon up all the atten- 
tion of your foul, to " hear the rod and him who hath 
appointed it ;" ( l ) and pray earneftly that you may 
underftand its voice. Examine your life, vour words, 
and your heart, and pray, that God weuld fo guide 
your inquiries, that you may " return unto the 
, .Lord that fmiteth you." ( m ) To aiiift you in this, 
call in the help of pious friends, and particularly of 
your minifters : lntreat, not only their prayers but 
their advice too, as to the probable defign of Pro- 
vidence ; and encourage them freely to tell you any 
thing which occurs to their minds upon this head. 
And if iuch an occafion mould lead them to touch up- 
on fome of the imperfections of your character and 
conduct, look upon it as a great token of their friend- 
{hip, and take it, not only patiently, but thankfully. 

(I) i Pet, 1. 5. (k) Rom. v. 3. 4, 5- (0 Mic. vi. f. frii] Ifa, is, wt 

(XXIV) ' ' *;*** 



278 Rife^progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

It does but ill become a Chrifuan at any time, to re- 
lent reproofs and admonitions ; and lean: of ail does 
it become him, when the rebukes of his heavenly Fa- 
ther are upon him. Ke ought rather to i'eek admo- 
nitions at fuch a time as this, and voluntarily to of- 
fer his wounds to be fearched by a faithful and ikil- 
ful band. 

4 7. And when, by one mean or another, ycu 
have got a ray of light to direct you in the meaning 
and language of fuch difpeniations, take heed, that you 
do not, in any degree, " harden you rielf againft God, 
and walk contrary to him," ( n ) Gbltimite reluctance 
to the apprehended delign of any providential ftroke 
is inexorellibly provoking to him. Set yourielf there- 
fore to an immediate reformation of whatever you 
difcoveramifs ; and labor to learn the general leflons of 
greiter fubmil'Iion to God's will, of a more calm in- 
difference to the world, and of a ciofer attachment to 
divine converfe and to the views of an approaching 
inviiible ftate. And whatever particular proportion 
or correfpondence you may obferve, between this cr 
that circumftance in your affliction, and yrur former 
tranlgreffiojis, be elbecially careful to aft according 
to that more peculiar and exprefs voice of the rod. 
Then you may, perhaps, have fpeecly and remarka- 
ble reafon to fav, that " it hath been good for you 
that you have been affll&ed f (°) and with a mul- 
titude of others, may learn to number the times cf your 
fharpeft trials, among the fweeteii and the meft exal- 
ted moments of your life. For this purpofo let pray- 
er be vour frequent employment ; and let iuch ien- 
timentsas thefe, if not in the very fame terms, be 
often and affectionately poured out before God. 
Anhumble Addrefs toGod, underthe pre/tire qfheavydffliffions. 

" O thou fupreme, yet all righteous and graci- 
ous Governor of the whole uaiverfe ! Mean and 1a- 
ccnfidsrabls as this little province of thy fpaaous em- 

(») Lev, xxvl. *7* (o) Pfcl- ««* ?i. 



Rip^progrefs of Religion in the Smk 279 

pire may appear, thou dolt not dilregard' the earth 
and its inhabitants ; but attendee 10 lit cotSeerits 
with the moft ccndefeending and gracious regard^ 
6i Thou reigneft" and I rejoice in it, as it is iri'di 
matter of universal joy.(p) I believe thy urhverial 
providence and care ; and I firmly believe thy wile* 
holy and kind interposition in every thing which re ? 
lates to me and to the circumitances of my abode in 
this thy world. I would look through all inferior 
caufrs unto thee, whole eyes are upon all thy crsa* 
tures ; to thee, u who formeit the light, and ereateii:- 
darknefs, who niakiit peace and createft evil ;" [ : to 
;hee, Lord, who at t.ry pleauife Canft exchangt the 
one for - canii turn the brighter] noon into 

midm;. te darkeft midnight into * com 

c ' O thou wife and march ul Govern r of the 
world ; I have often laid thy willfaedooe, Ana rev; r 
thy will is painful to me: But ffaail'Ij upon that ac- 
count, unfiy what I have fo often (aid ? 1- od forbid ! 
I come rather to lay myfelf down ac thy reer, and to 
declare my full and free fubmiilks to V 11 thy faered 
pleafnre. O Lord, thou art jure and righteous in all ; 
I acknowledge in thy venerable and awful pn fence; 
that I " have deferred this, and ten thoufand times 
more." ( r ) I acknowledge, that" it is of thy -mercy, 
that I am not utterly continued," ( f ) and that any 
theleaft degree of comfort yet remains. O Lord, I 
moft readily confefs, that the fins of one day of my 
life have merited allthefe chaftiiements ; and that every 
day of my life hath been more or iefs iinfuL Smite 
therefore, O thou righteous judge; and I will [till 
adore thee, that inftead of ihe'fcourge, thou haft not 
given a commiilion to the (word, to do ail the dread- 
ful work of juitice, and to pour cut my blood in thy 
prefence. 

" But (hall I fpeak-unto thee, only as my judge ? 
O Lord,. thou haft taught me a tender pame : . Ihou 

(p) Pfel. xevi •; 1. (:) IfaJ. x'v. 7,- (r) Ezra ix. 13. (s) Lam. iii.'aa. 



. 28o Rife, pr&gnfs tf Religion in the Soul. 

cqndefcendeft to call thyfelf my Father, and to fpeak 
cf correction as the effect of thy love. O welcome, 
welcome thole afflictions, which are the tokens of thy 
parental affection, the marks of my adoption into thy 
family — Thou knoweft what difbipline i need. Thou 
fee£t, O Lord, that bundle cf folly, which there is in 
.the heart of thy poor, froward and thoughtlefs child ; 
and kaowefc, what rods, and what ftrokes are need- 
ful to drive it away. I would therefore " be in hum- 
ble iubj:c~tion to the Father of fpirits, who chafieneth 
me for my profit ; would he in fabje&ion to him, and 
live." (0 I would bear thy ftrokes, rot merely becaufe 
I eatmotrefifl; them, but becaufe I love and fruft in 
thee, i would fweetly acquiefce and reft ia thy will, 
iis well a r v ftoop to it ; and would fay, ;c good is th .3 
word of the Lord." (?) And I defjre, that not ocly my 
iipg, but my foul may acquiefce. Yea, Lord-, £ 
would praife thee, that thou wilt fhew i'o much re- 
gard to rue, as to apply fuch remedies r.s \hde to the 
difeafes of my mind, and art thus kindly careful to 
uain me up for glory. I have no objection agaiuft be- 
ing a:llic:eo:, againft being afflict :d in this particular 
way. c: The Cup which my Father puts into miiae 
0. (hall I not drink it f" ( x ) By thine afliftaace 
and lupport I will. Only be pleaded, () Lord to fland 
by me, and fometirnes to grant me a favourable look, 
m the midfi of my fufferings •' Support my foul, I be- 
feech thee, by thy conlbht ions mingled with my tri- 
bulations ; and I mall glory in thofe tribulations, that 
r,re thus allayed ! It has been the experience of many 
who have reflected on afflicted days with pleafure, 
and have acknowledged that their comforts have 
i wallowed up their farrows. And after all that thcu 
haft done" are thy mercies jreurained V 9 ( v ) " Is thy 
hand waxed fhort," (*) or eanftthcu not ftill do the 
lame for me? 

(t) Heb. xii. 0.20. (u) a Kings xx. 19. (x) John jsviii. II- 
{y) ihU Uitf. *5* i l ) Num. xi. 23. 



Rife, progtefs of Religion in the Soul. 281 

"If my heart be lefs tender, Iefs fenfible, thou 
canit cure that diforder, and canft make this affliction 
the mean of curing it. Thus let it be ; and at length 
in thine own due time, and in the way which thou 
fhalt chufe, work out deliverance for me ; and <c (hew 
me thy marvellous loving- kindnefs, O thou that fa- 
veft by thy right-hand them that put their triift in 
thee." ( a ) For I well know ;that how dark foever this 
night of affliction feem, if thou fayed, let there be 
light, there (hall be light. But I would urge nothing 
before the time thy wifdom and goodnefs mall ap- 
point. I am much more concerned that my afflictions 
may be fanctined, than that they may be removed. 
Number me, O God, among the happy perfons, 
whom whilft thou chafteneft, thcu " teacheft out of 
thy law." ( b ) " Shew me, I befeech thee, wherefore 
thou contender!: with me ;" ( c ) and purify me by the 
fire, which is fo painful to me, while I am pafTmg 
through it : Doft thou not " chaften thy children for 
this very end, that they may be partakers of thine 
hoiinefs '?" ( d ) Thou knoweft, O God, it is this my 
foul is breathing after. I am partaker of thy bounty, 
every day and moment of life ; I am partaker of thy 
gofpel, and I hope, in feme meafure too, a partaker 
cf the grace of it operating on my heart : O may it 
operate more and more, that I may largely partake 
of thine hoiinefs too ; that I may come nearer and 
nearer in the temper of my mind to thee, O bleffed 
God, thefupreme model of perfection ! Let my foul 
be (as it were) melted, though with the mtenim heat 
of the furnace, If I may but thereby be made fit for 
being delivered into the mould of thy gofpel, and bear- 
ing thy bright and amiable image. 

" O Lord, " my foullongeth for the,e ; it crieth 
cut for the living God \" ( e ) In thy prefence, and 
under the Support of thy love, I can bear any thing ; 

(a) Pfal, xvii» 7. <b) Pfal. xciv. n. (c) Job x. 3. (d) HeD. xii. 10/ 
it) Pfal. lxxxiv. 3. 

(XXIV 2) 



aSa " Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

and am willing to bear it, if I may grow more lovely 
in thine eyes, and more meet for thy kingdom. The 
days of my affliction will have an end ; the hour will 
at length come, when " thou wilt wipe away all my 
tears." ( f ) " Though it tarry, I would wait for it." 
( g ) My foolifh heart, in the midfl of all its trials, is 
ready to grow fond of this earth, difappointing and 
grievous as it is ; and gracioufly, O God, doft thou 
deal with me, in breaking thole bonds that would 
lie me fafter to it. O let my foul be girding itfelf 
up, and (as it were) firetching its wings in expec- 
tation of that bieifed hour, when it fhall drop all its 
Forrows and incumbrances at once, and foar away to 
expatiate with infinite delight in the regions of liberty, 
peace, and joy i Amen.'' 9 

CHAP. XXVI. 

The Cbriftia?i ajjified in examining into his Growth in Graee. 

The examination important. § I. Falfe marks of growth to be avoid- 
ed. § 2. True marks propofed j fuch as, (i.) Increasing Jeve to Ged« 
§ 3. (2. ) ^Benevolence tomen. § 4. (3.) Candour of difpofition, § 5. (4.) 
Meeknel's under injuries. § 6. (5.) Seienity amidft the uncertainties of 
iire. § 7. (6.) Humility, f. 8. especially asexprefled in evangelical exer- 
-cifes of the mind toward? Chrift and the Spirit. §9. (7.) Zeaj foi the 
divine honor. § 10. (8.) Habitual and cheerful willingnels to exchange 
worlds whenever God fhall appointir. ■§ H. Conclufioo. § 12. The Chril- 
tain breathing after growth in grace. 

§ 1. AF by -divine grace you have been " born 
again, not of corruptible feed, but of incorruptible," 
( a ) even u by the word of God, which liveth and 
abideth forever," not only in the world ar*d church, 
but in particular fouls in which it is fown ; you will, 
" as new born babes, defire the iiftcere milk of the 
word, that you may grow thereby/* ( b ) And though 
in the mc£ advanced fcate of religion on earth, we 
are but infants in comparifon of what we hepe to be, 
when in the heavenly world we arrive " unto a per- 

* (f) Rev. xii, 4. (?) Hab. ii, 3. {») 1 Pst* i. 5tf. (b) I Pet. Ii, z\ 






Rifis, fngrefs of Religion in the Soul. 2S3 

fe<ft man, unto the meafure of the ftature of the ful- 
nefsof Chrift ;" i c ) yet as we have fome exercife of 
a fanctified reafon, we fhall be iblicitous that we 
may be growing and thriving infants. And you, my 
reader j " if fo be that you have tafced that the Lord 
is gracious,'' ( d ) will I doubt not, feel this folicitude. 
I would, therefore, endeavor to affift you m making 
the inquiry, whether religion be on the advance in 
your fouls". And here, I fhall warn you agamft fome 
faife marks of growth ; and then, toll endeavor to 
lay down others on which you may depend as more 
folid — In this view I would obferve. that you are not 
to meafure your growth in grace, only or chiefly by 
your advances in knowledge, or in zeal, or any other 
paflionate imprefiion of the mind ; no, nor by the 
fervour of devotion alone ; but by the habitual de- 
termination for the will for God,and by your prevail- 
ing diipoiiticn to obey his commands, to fubmit ta 
his difpofal, and to fubferve his fchemes in the world. 
§2. It muit be allowed, that knowledge, and 
affection in religion, are indeed deiirable. Without 
fome degree of the former, religion cannot be rational ; 
and it is very reafonable to believe, that without 
fome degree of the latter, it cannot be fincere, ia 
creatures whole natures 'are conftituted like curs. 
Yet there may be a great deal of fpecuktive know- 
ledge^ and a great deal of rapturous afte&ion, where 
there is no true religion at all ; and therefore much 
more, where there is no advanced ftate in it. The 
exercife of our rational faculties, upon the eviden- 
ces of divine revelation, and upon the declaration of 
it as contained in fcripture, may furnifn a very wick- 
ed man with a well digefted body of orthodox divi- 
nity in his head, when net one fmgle doctrine of it 
has ever reached his heart. An eloquent defcription 
of the iliJierings of Chrift, of the folemnities of judg- 
ment, oi the joys of the bieffed, and the taiferies of - 

(c) Eph. ivi ij. (d) xpet, ii, 3. 



284 Rife^ prsgrefs cf Religion in the ScuL 

the damned, might move the breaft even of a man 
who did not firmly believe them ; as we often find 
ourfelve.? ftrongiy moved by well- wrought narrations, 
or difcourfes, which, at the fame time, we know to 
have their foundation in fiction* Natural confuta- 
tion, or fuch accidental caufes as are feme of them 
too low to be here mentioned, may fupply the eyes 
with a flood of tears, which may difcharge itfelf plen- - 
teoufly upon almof I any occafion that fhall firft arife. 
And a proud impatience of contradiction, directly 
oppofite as it is to the gentle fpirit of chriftianity, 
may make a man's blood boil when he hears the no- 
tions lie has entertained, and especially- thofe which 
he has openly and vigoroufly efpoufed, difputed and 
oppofed. This may poffibly lead him, in terms of 
ftrong indignation, to pour out his zeal and his rage 
before God, in a fond conceit, that, as the God of 
truth, he is the patron of thofe favorite doctrines^ . 
by whofe fair appearances, perhaps, he himfelf is mil- 
led. And if thefe Ipeculatrve refinements, or thefe 
affectionate failles of the mind, be confident with a 
total abfence of true religion, they are much more 
apparently confiftent with every low elrate of it. I 
would deiire to lead you, my friend, into fublimer 
notions and jufter marks ; and refer you to other 
practical writers, and above all to the book of God 3 
to prove how material they are. I would therefore 
ictreat you, to bring ycur own heart to anfwer, as in, 
the preience of God, to fuch inquiries as thefe — 

§ 3. Do you find " divine love, on the whole, 
advancing in your foul V* — Do you feel ycurfelf 
more and more fenfible of the prefence of God ; and 
does that fenfe grow more delightful to you, than it 
formerly was ? Can you, even when your natural 
fpirits are weak and low, and you are not in any frame 
for the ardors and extafies of devotion, never thelefs 
fiLv apleafing re£.acalsn repcfeofheart 3 iji the thought 



^fiiprogrefs of Religion in the bcuL 2S5 

t&at God is near you, and that he fees the fecret fen- 
timents of your foul, ' while you are, as it were, la- 
boring up the hill, and calling a longing eye towards 
him, though you cannot fay you enjoy any fenhble 
communications from him? Is it agreeable to you to 
open your heart to his infpec~tion and regard, to pre- 
feat it to him laid bare of every difguife, and to lay 
with David, i; thou, Lord, knoweft thy (ervant r 'T> 
Do you rb.d a growing efieern and approbation of 
thatiacreh law cf God, which is the transcript of his 
moral perfections ? Do you inwardly *? eiteern all his 
precepts concerning all things to be right ?" ( f ) -Do^ 
youdifcern, nor only the neceiiity, but tee reaihna- 
bbnefs, the beauty, the plealure of obedience : and 
feel a growing (corn and contempt of rhofe th igr,. 
which may be offered as the price of your innocence, 
and would tempt you to facriike or to hazard your 
mterefl in the divine favour and frendihip ? Do you 
find an ingenuous defire to pleafe God : not only be- 
caufe he is Fo powerful, and has fb many good and 10 
many evil things entirely at his command ; but from 
a veneration of his molt ami able nature and character I 
And do yc'u find your heart habitually reconciled to 
a rnoft humble fubjection, both to his commanding, 
and to his difpofmg will ? Do you perceive, that your 
own will is now more ready and difbofed, in every 
circumftance, to bear the yoke, and to fa-omit to the 
divine determination, whatever he appointstobe bora 
or fcrborn ? Can you tc in pa tiencepollels your foul ?" 
( g ) Can you maintain a more fteady caimnefs and 
ierenity, when God is ftriking at your dearef I erjoy- 
ments in this world, and acting moli direclly contra- 
ry to your prefent interefcs, to your narnral paflions 
and defires I If you can, it is a raoft certain and no- 
ble fign, that grace is growing up in you to a very 
vigorous ftate. 

00 2 Sam, vii. 29. (Q Pial. cxlx, 128. (g) Luke xxi. 1%. 



c£o Rfe^progrefs of 'Religion in the ScuL 

-$4. Examine alfo, €6 what affections you find in 
your heart towards thofe who are round about you, 
and towards the reft of mankind in general."— Do 
you find your heart overflow with undiiTembled and 
unreftrained benevolence ? Are you more fenfible than 
you once were, of thofe many endearing bonds, which 
unite all men, and efpecially all Christians, into one 
community ; which make them brethren and fellow 
citizens ? Do all the unfriendly pailions die and 
wiiher in your foul* while the kind fecial affections 
grow and fireiigthen ? And trough fell love was never 
the reigning paiiion, fince yon became a true Chnf. 
tain ; yet, an (bme remainders cf it are Hill too ready 
to work inwardly, and to ihow tkeinfelves, eip-- 
ly as hidden occafions arife, do you perceive, that y u 
get ground of them ? Do you think of ycurfeif only 
as one of a great number, whole pnrticialsr interefts 
and concerns are of little importance when compared 
with thofe of the community, and ought by all means, 
on all occaiions, to be iaennced to them ? 

§ 5. Reflect efpecialfy " en the temper cf your 
mind towards thofe whom an un&n&ified heart 
might be ready to imagine, it had fomejuft exenfe 
for excepting out cf the lift cf thole it ioves, and 
towards whom you are ready to feel a fecret averfion, 
or at lea:i an alienation from them. ? *-— How does 
your mind Hand affected towards thofe who airier 
from you in their rer'gious Sentiments and practice ? 
I do net fay, that Chrif.ian charily will require you 
to think every error harmlefs. It argues no want of 
love to a friend in fome cafes, to fear left his difor- 
cer Should prove more fatal than he feemsto imagine $ 
nay fomedmes, the very tendernefs of friendship may 
encreafe that apprehension. But to hate perfocs be- 
cauie we think they are miflaken, and to aggravate 
ev;-ry difference^ in judgment or practice into a fatal 
and damnable error that destroys ail Christian ccm- 



Mifi, progrs/}- of Religion in the Soul 237 

munioa knd love, is a fymptom generally much worfe 
than i the evil it condemns. Do you love the image 
of Chrift in a perlbn, who thicks himfelf obliged 'in 
confeience to profefs and worlhip in a manner dif- 
ferent from yourfelf ? Nay farther, can you love and 
honor -that which is truly amiable and excellent, in 
thofe, in whom much is defective ; in thole, in whom 
there is a mixture of bigotry and narrownels of fpi-~ 
rit which may lead them perhaps to flight, or even 
to ceniure you ? Can you love them, as the difciples 
and fervants of Chrift, who through a miftaken zeal 
may be ready to "caff out your name as evil," ( h ) 
and to warn others agiinft you as a dangerous per- 
fbn ? This is none of the leaft triumphs of charity, nor 
any deipieahle evidence or an advance in religion. 

§ 6. And, on this head, reflect, farther, " how 
can you bear injuries ?'* — There is a certain hardinefs 
of foul in this refpect, which argues a confirmed ftate 
in piety and virtue. Does everything of this kind 
hurry and ruffle voir, fo as to put you en contrivan- 
ces, how you may recompence, or at leaft, how you 
maydilgrace and expofe him, who has done you the 
wrong ? Or can you Hand the fhock calmly, and 
eafiiy divert your mod to other objects, only (when 
you recoiled: thefe things) pitying and praying for 
thofe, who with the worft tempers and views are af- 
faukiag you ? This is a'Chrift-like temper indeed : 
and he will own it as fuch ; will own you, as one of 
his foldiers, as one of his heroes ; efpecially if it rifes 
(o far, as infteacLof "being overcome of evil, to over- 
come evil with good." ( ; ) Watch over your [pints, 
and over your tongue, when injuries are offered - 9 
and fee whether you be ready to meditate upon them, 
to aggravate them to yourfelf, to complain of them 
to oti.ers, and to lay on all the load of blarne that you 
in jultice can ; or whether you be ready to put the 
kiudeft conftruetion upon the oiience, to excuiVit as 

(h) Luke \i, 2a« (i) Rom. xiu M. 



2SS Rye ^progrefs of Religion in ik Sou!, 

far as reafon will allow, and (whereafter all, it will 
wear a black and odious afpect) to forgive it, hear- 
tily to forgive it, and that even before any fubmif- 
fion is made, or pardon afked ; and in token of the 
fmcerity of that forgiveneis, to be contriving what 
can be done, by feme benefit or other towards the 
injurious peribn,to teach him a better temper. 

- § 7. Examine farther, " with regard to the other 
evils and calamities of life, and even with regard to 
its uncertainties how can you bear them ?" — Do you 
find your foul is, in this refpeft, gathering ftrength .'? 
Have you fewer foreboding fears and difquieting 
alarms," than you once had, as to what may happen 
in life ? - Can you truft the wifdom and goodnefs of 
God, to order your affairs for you with more com- 
placency and cheerfulnefs than formerly ? Do you 
find, you are able to unite your thoughts more in 
Purveying prefent circumftances, that you may col- 
lect immediate duty from them though yon know not 
what God will next appoint or call you to ? And 
when yen feel the (mart of afrfction, do you make a 
lefs matter of it ? Canyon transfer your heart more 
eaiily to heavenly end divine objects, without an 
anxious foHcitude whether this or that burthen be 
removed, fo it may bat be fan&lfied to promote your 
communion with God, and your ripenefs for glory ? 
§ 8. Examine alio, " whether you advance in hu- 
mility." — This is a Giant, but moft excellent grace ; 
and they, who are more eminent in it, are deareft to 
God, and mcii fit for the communications of his pre- 
fence to them. Do you then feel your mind more 
emptied of proud and haughty imaginations? Not 
prone fo much to look back upon paft Cervices which 
it has performed, as forward to thofe which are yet 
before yon, and inward upon the remaining imper- 
fections of your heart ? Do you more tenderly ob- 
ferve your daily Hips and miicarriages. and nndycur- 



Eifet prcgrefi of Religion in the Soul. 2%$ 

felf difpofed to mourn over thofe things before the 
Lord, that once palled with you as flight matters ; 
though when you come to furvey them, as in the pre- 
fence of God, you find they were not wholly invo- 
luntary, or free from guilt ? Do you feel in your breaft 
a deeper apprehenfion of the infinite majefty of the 
blefTed God, and of the glory of his natural and mo 
ral perfections ; fo as, in confequence of thefe views, 
to perceive yourfelf as it were annihilated in his $re- 
i'ence, and to fhrink into " lefs than nothing, aM va- 
nity ?" ( k ) If this be your temper, God v/ill look up- 
on you with peculiar favour, and will vifit you more 
and more with the diftinguifned bleffings «f his grace. 
§ 9. But there is another great branch and ef- 
fect of Chriftian humility, which it would be an un- 
pardonable negligence to omit. Letme therefore farther 
inquire : Are you more frequently renewing your ap- 
plication, your flncere, fteady, determinate applica- 
tion, to the righteoufnefs and blood of Chrifl ; as be- 
ing Feafible how unworthy you are to appear before 
God, otherwife than in him ? And do tjie remaining 
corruptions of your heart humble you before him„ 
though the diforders of your life are in a great mea- 
fure cured ? Are you" more earneft to obtain the 
quickening influences of the Holy Spirit ; and have 
you fuch a fenfe of your own weaknefs, as to engage 
ycu to depend, in all the duties you perform, upoa 
the communications of his grace to " help your in- 
firmities ?" ( l ) Can you, at the clofe of your mofr re- 
ligious, exemplary, and ufeful days, biufh before God 
for the deficiencies of them, while others, perhaps, 
may be ready to admire and extol your jponducl: f 
And while you give the glory of all that has been 
right to him, from whom the (flrength and grace has 
been derived, ire you coming to the blood of fprink- 
linjg, to free yoi from the guilt which mingles* itfeJi 

(k) Mai, xL 17. 0) Rom. via. z6. 

(XX Y) 



%<p Rife, progrefs of Religion in ihe SouL 

even with the beft of your fervices ? Do you learn to 
receive the bounties of Providence, not only with 
thankfulnefs as coming from God, but with a mix- 
ture of mame and confufioa too, under a confciouf- 
pkfy that you do not deferve them, and are continu- 
ally forfeiting them ? And do you juftify Providence 
in your afflictions and difappointments, even while 
many are rlourifhmg around you in the full bloom of 
pr6fperify,whofe offences have been more vifible at 
leaftj and more notorious than yours ? 

§ 10. Do yen alfo advance in "zeal and activity, 
for the fervice of God, and the happinefs of man- 
kind ?" — Does your love fhow itfelf iblid and fincere, 
by a continual flow of good works from it ? Can you 
view the forrows of ethers with tender companion, 
and with project and contrivances what you may do 
to relieve them ? Do you feel in your breait, that you 
are more frequently " deviling liberal things," ( ra ) and 
ready to wave your own advantage or pleafure that 
you may accomplish them ? Do you find your imagi- 
nation teeming (as it were) with conceptions and 
ichemes, for the advancement of the caufe and in- 
tereft of Chrifi, in the world, for the propagation of 
his gofpel, and for the happinefs of your fellow- crea- 
tures ? And do you not only pray, but acl for it ; act 
in fuch a manner, as to (hew that you pray in earneil ; 
and feel a readinefs to do what little yon can in this 
caufe, even though others, who might, if they plea- 
Ted, very conveniently do a vaft deal more, will do 
nothing ? 

§ ii. And, not to enlarge en this copious head, 
^reflect once more how your affections fland, with 
regard to this world and another. — Are you mora 
deeply and practically convinced of the vanity of thefe 
things which are " feed, and are temporal ?" ( n ) Do 
you perceive your expectations from them and your 
attachments to them, to diminifh ? You are willing 

.m) Ifa*. xxxii. S, [n}2 Cor, iv, io. 



&ife 9 P rc S re f s of Religion in the Son!' - 291 

to (lay in this world, as long as your Father pleafes ; 
and it is right and well : Bat do you find your bonds 
fo looiened tJ it, that you are willing, heartily wil- 
ling, to leave it at the fhorteft warning ; fo that if 
God fhould fee fit to fummon you away en a fudden, 
though it fhould be in the mid ft of your enjoyments, 
purfuits, expectations, and hopes, you would cordial- 
ly confent to that remove ; without faying, " Lord, 
let me flay a* little while longer, to enjoy this or that 
agreeable entertainment, to fmiih this or thatfeheme ?" 
Can you thhk with an habitual calmnefs and hearty 
approbation, if fuch be the divine pleafure, of waking 
no more when you lie down on your bed, of return- 
ing home no "more when you go out of year houfe I 
And yet on the other hand, how great foever the 
burthens of life are, do you rind a willingnefs to bear 
them, in fuhniiilion to ths will of your heavenly Fa : 
ther, though it ihould be to many future years ; and' 
though ther fhould be years cf far greater affliction,, 
than ycu have ever yet feen ? Can you fay calmly 
and fteadily,. if not with fuch overflowings of tender 
affections as you could defire, " Behold thy fervanr, 
thy child, isjm thine hand, do with me as ieemett: 
good in thy light !" (°) My will is melted into thine ; 
to be lifsed up or laid down, to be carried oat or 
brought in, to be here or there, in this or ihdt eir- 
cumfiance, jult as thou pleafeft, and as ffeall belt fuit 
with thy great extenfive plan, which it is impoffibl'e 
that I, or ail the as gels of heaven, fhould mend 1 /* 

§ 12. Thefe, if I underffand matters aright, are 
fome of the melt fubftantial evidences of growth 
and eftablifhment in religion. Search after them ; 
blefs God for them, fo far as you difcover them in 
yourfelf; and Rudy ?o advance in them daily, under 
the influences of divine grace, to which I heartily re- 
commend you, and to which I intreat you frequently 
to recommend yourfelf. 

(o) 2 Sam. xv, a6. 



2p2 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

The Chriftitui breathing tameftly after Growth in Graee. 

" O then ever bleffed fountain oC natural and 
fpiritual life ! I thank thee, that I live, and know the 
exercifecand pieafures of a religious life. I blefs thee, 
that thou halt infufed into me thine own vital breath, 
though I was once " dead in trefpafles and fin," (p) 
fo that I am become, in a fenfe peculiar to thine own 
children, a living foul." ( q ) But it is mine earned de- 
ire that I may not only live but grow ; " grow in 
grace, and in the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour 
Jeius Chrift," O upon an acquaintance with whom 
myprcgrefs in it fo evidently depends ! In this view 
I humbly intreat thee, that thou wilt form my mind 
to right notions in religion, that I may not judge of 
grace by any wrong conceptions cf it, nor meafure 
my advances in it by thole things, which are merely 
the effects cf nature, and poilibly its corrupt effects ' 
M May I be leeking after an increafe of divine 
love to thee, my God and Father in Chrift, of un- 
veierved refignation to thy wife and h:ly will, and of 
extecfive benevolence to ray fellow-creatures. May 
-i grow in patience and fortitude of foul, in humility 
and zeal, in fpirituality and an heavenly difpofiticn of 
mind, and in a concern, that " whether prefent or 
abfen.t I may be accepted of the Lord," ( f ) that 
whether I live or die it may be for his glory ! In a 
word, as thou knowefl I hunger and thirfr after righ- 
teoufnefs, make me whatever thou wouldft delight to 
ice me ! Draw on my foul, by the gentle influences 
of thy gracious Spirit, every trace and every feature, 
>vhich thine eye, O heavenly Father,may furvey with 
pleafure, and which thou mayeft acknowledge as 
thine own image ! 

" I am fenfible, O Lord, I have not at yet au 
rained ; yea, my foul is utterly confounded to think, 
** how far I am from being already perfect : But this 
one thing, (after the great example of thine apoftle, 

(p)Eph, :i.5, ($ Gen. ii. 7- (0 * Pet. Hi. 18. (s)a Cor, v. 9' 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in ihe Soul* 293 

and the much greater of his Lord) I would endeavor' 
to do ; " forgetting the things which are behind ,1 would 
prefs forward. to thofe which are before." ( c ) O that 
thou wouldft feed my foul by thy word and Spirit I 
Having been, as I humbly hope and truft, regenera- 
ted by it, " being born again, not of corruptible feed, 
but of incorruptible, even by thy word which liveth 
and abideth forever, ( u ) as a new-bora babe, I de- 
fire the fincere milk of the word, that I may grow 
fbpi&byv' ( x ) And may " my profiting appear unto ail 
men," ( y ) till at length " I come unto a perfect man, 
unto the meai'ure of the ftatureof thefumefsof Chrift;' 9 
(2) and after having enjoyed the pleafures of thofe 
that flourim eminently in thy courts below, be fixed 
in the paradife above ! I afk, and hope it through him, 
" of whofe fulnefs we have all received, even grace 
for grace* ( a ) To him be glory, both now and for; 
ever !" ( b ) Amen. 



CHAP. XX VII 

The advanced Chrifian reminded of the Mercies of God, and 
exhorted to the Exercife s of habitual Love U Him and 
Joy in Him, 

An holy joy in God, out privilege, as well as our duty. § I. The 
ChrHM an invited to the exercife of it : § %. (i ) By the reprelentation 
of temporal mercies. § 3. (a.) By the consideration of fpiritual favours. 
§ 4. .(3..) '"By the views of eternal happinefs. § 5. (4.) Of the mercies of 
God to others, the living, and the dead. § 0. The chapter clofes with aa 
exhortation to this heavenly exercife, § 7. and witk an example of the 
genuine workings of this grateful joy in God. 

§ 1. JL WOULD now fupp^fe my reader to find, 
on an examination of his fpiritual ftate, that he is 
growing in grace. And if you defire,that (his growth 
may at once be acknowledged and promoted, let me 
call your foul to that more affectionate exercife of love 

(t) Phil. iii. 12. 13. 00 t Pet. i. 23- (*) x Pet. ii. 

(v) 1 Tim. iv. 15. (z)Eph. iv. 13. (a) 'John i. 16, 

<b) % Pec. iii, 18, 

, (XXV 7) 



294 Rije^ progrejs of Religion in the SouL 

to God and joy in him, which {nits, and ftrengther.*, 
arjd exalts the chancer of the advanced Chnftran ; 
and which I befeech you to regard, not only as your 
privilege, but as your duty too. Love is the moft 
fublime generous principle of all true and acceptable 
obedience ; and with love, when io wifely and hap- 
pily fixed, when fo certainly returned, joy muft na- 
turally be corihe&eJ. It may juMly grieve a man 
who enters into the fpirit of Chrirtiahity, to fee how 
low a life the generality even of fincere Chriflians 
commonly live in this refpecl. " Rejoice then in the 
Lord, ye righteous, and give thanks at the remem- 
brance of his hclinefs," ( a ) and of all thofe other per- 
fections and glories, which are included in that ma* 
jeftic, that wonderful, that delightful name, " The 
Lord thy God !" Spend not your (acred moments 
merely in confeflion, or in petition, though each muft 
have their daily fhare ; but give a part, a conndera- 
ble part, to the celeftial and angelic work^ of praife. 
Yea, labor to carry about with you continually an 
heart overflowing with fuch fentiments, wanned and 
inflamed with fuch affections. 

§ 2. Are there not continually rays enough dif- 
fused from the great Father of light and love, to kin- 
dle it in our bolbm ? Come, my Christian friend and 
brother, come and furvey with me the goodnefs of 
cur heavenly Father. And O that he would give 
me fuch a fenfe of it, that I might reprefent it in a 
fuitable manner ; that, " while I am muling, the fire 
may burn in my own heart," ( b ) and be communi- 
cated to yours ! And O that it might pafs with the 
lines I write, from foul to foul ; awakening in the 
brealt of every Chriftian who reads them, fentiments 
more worthy of the children of God, and the heirs of 
glcry ; who are to fpend an eternity in thofe facred 
exercifes, to which 1 am now endeavoring to excite 
ycu ? 

(a)Pfal, xcvii, 12. -fo) Pfal. ax*ix, 3, 



Mije, progrefs of Religion in theSouL 295 

§ 3. Have you not reafon to adopt the words of 
David and fay, " how many are thy gracious thoughts 
unto me, O Lord ! How great is the ilim of them ' 
When 1 would count them, they are more in num- 
ber than the fand." ( c ) You, indeed, know, where to 
begin the furvey, for the favours ofGod to you begun 
with your being ; commemorate it therefore with a 
grateful heart, that the " eyes, which faw your fuh- 
itance, being yet imperfect, beheld you with a friend- 
ly care, when you were made in fecret, and have 
watched over you ever ficce ; and that " the hand, 
which drew the plan of your members, when as yet 
there was none of them," ( d ) not only fafhioned them 
at firft, but from that time has been concerned in 
<f keeping all your bones, lb that not one of them is 
broken ;" ( e ) and that indeed, it is to this you owe 
it, that you live. Look back upon the path you have 
trod, from the day that God brought you cut of the 
womb, and fay whether you do not (as it were)- fee 
all the road thick fet with the marks and memorials 
of the divine goodnefs. Recollect the places where 
you have lived, and the nerfons with whom you 
have moft intimately converted ; and call to mind the 
mercies you have received in thofe places, and from 
thcfe perfons, as the inftruments of the divine care 
and goodnefs. Recollect the difficulties and the dan- 

fers, with which you have been furrounded ; and re» 
eel attentively on what God hath done to defend 
you from them, or to carry you through them. Think, 
how often there has been" but a ftep between you 
and death ;" and how fuddenly God hath fomelimes 
interpofed to fet you in fafety, even before you , ap- 
prehended your danger. Think of thofe chambers 
of ilmefs, in which ycu have been confined, and from 
whence, perhaps, you once thought ycu fhould go 
forth no mere ; but faid, (with Rezekiah) " in the 
cutting off of my days, I (hall go to the gates of the 

(c) Pfal. cxxxU. j7, x8, (d) gxxwx. JJ, 16, (e) pfal, xxxiy* ae 9 



20 6* Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

grave, I am deprived of the refidue of my years." ( f y 
God has, it my be, fmce that time, added many 
years to your life ; and you know not how many may- 
be in referve, or how much ufefulnefs and hapninefs 
may attend each. Survey your circumftances in re- 
lative life ; how mauy kind friends are furrounding 
you daily, and ftndyicg how they may contribute to 
your comfort. Reflect on thofe remarkable circum- 
ftances in Providence, which occafioned the knitting 
of fome bonds of this kind, which, next to thole 
which join your foul to God, you number among the 
happieil. And forget not, in how many inftances, 
when thefe dear lives have been threatened, lives, per- 
haps, more fenfibly dear than your own, God hath 
given them back from the borders of the grave, and 
io added new endearments arifing from that tender 
circumftance to all your after converfe with them. 
Nor forget, in how gracious a manner he hath fup- 
ported fome others in their laft moments, and ena- 
bled them to leave behind a fweet odour of piety, 
which hath embalmed their memories, revived you 
when ready to faint under the i'orrows cf the firfE Re- 
paration, and, on the whole, made even the recollec- 
tion of their death delightful. 

$ 4. But it is more than time that I lead on your 
thoughts to the many fpiritual mercies which God 
hath beftowed upon you. Look back, as it were, to 
the " rock from whence you were hewn, and to the 
hole of the pit from whence you were digged." ( g ) 
Reflect ferioufly on the ftate wherein divine graae 
found you ; under how much guilt ; under how much 
pollution ! in what danger, in what ruin ! Think what 
was, and, O, think with yet deeper reflection, what 
would have been the cafe ! The eye of God, which 
penetrates into eternity, faw what your mind, amufed 
with the trifles of prefect time and fen fual gratifica- 
tions, was utterly ignorant and regardlefs of. It faw 

(f) Ifawxxxviii. 10. (g) Hal, li. z. 



Rij'e^progrefs of Religion in the ScuU 297 

you on the borders of eternity, and pitied yen ; faw 
that you would in a little time have been fuch a help- 
lefs wretched creature, as the (inner that is juil now 
dead, and has, to his infinite fbrpriie and evertefting 
terror, met his unexpected doom, accl* would, like 
him/Land th under- ftruck in aitonifhment and defpair. 
This God law, and he pitied you ; and being mer- 
ciful to you, he provided in the counfeis cf his eter- 
nal love and grace, a Redeemer for you, and purcha- 
i'ed you to himfelf with the blood cf his ion ; a price, 
which, if you will paufe upon it, and think fericuily 
what it was, rauft furely affect you to fuch a degree 
as to make ycu fall down before God in wonder and 
fname, to think that it fhould ever have been given 
for ycu. To accomplifh thefe bkiled~ 'purpofes, he 
fent his grace mto your heart ; fo that, though " you 
were once darknefs, you are now light in the Lord-" 
j h ) He made that happy change which you now feel 
m your fouLand, " by his Holy Spirit which is given 
to you," he fhed abroad that principle of love, ( l ) 
which is enkindled by this review,and now flames with 
greater ardor than before. Thus far he hath fup* 
ported you in your Chriftian courfe ; and, " having 
obtained help from him it is, that you continue even 
to this day." ( k ) He hath not only " blefled you, but 
made you a . bleffing :'* C 1 ) And though you have not 
been fo ufeful, as that hcly generoiity of heart, which 
he has excited, would have engaged yqu to defire, 
yet fome good you have dene in the nation in which 
he has fixed you. Some of your brethren of mankind 
. have been relieved, perhaps too fome thcughtlefs crea- 
ture reclaimed to virtue and happinefs, by his blek 
ling on your endeavors. Some in the way to heaven, 
are praifing God for you ; and fome, perhaps, already 
there, are longing for your arrival, ihat they may 
thank you in nobler and more expreflive forms for 
benefits, tke importance of which they now fufficient* 

(h) E^h. v. 8. (i) Rem. v. 5. (k) Ads xxvi. %i> (i) Gen.-. xii.3. 



29 3 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

ly underftand, though while here they could never 
conceive it. 

§ 5. Chriflian, look round on the numberiefs blef-- 
lings of one kind or another, with which you are 
already encompafled ; and advance your proipedt full 
farther, to what faith yet discovers within the veiL 
Think of thofe now unknown transports, with which 
thou (halt drop every burthen in the grave, and thine 
immortal fpirit (hall mount, light and joyful, holy 
and happy, to God, its original^ its fupport, and its 
hope ; to God, the fource of being, of holinefs, and 
of plea! u re ; to jefus, through whom all thefe mer- 
cies are derived to t\:ce, and who will appoint thee a 
throne near hi? own, to be forever the Ipeclator and 
partaker oi' his glory. Think of the rapture, with 
waich thou Shalt attend his triumph in the refurrec- 
tion day, and receive this poor mouldering corruptible 
body transformed into h : s glorious image ; and then 
" think, thefe hopes are net mine alone, but (he hopes 
of t honfands end millions^ Multitudes, whom I num- 
ber among the dearer! of my friends upon earth, are 
rejoicing with ine in thefe apprehenfions and views : 
And God gives me fometiiaes to fee the fmiies on 
their cheeks, the fweet humble hope that fparklesia 
their eyes, and fhines through the tears of tender 
gratitude ; and to hear that little of their inward 
complacency and by, which language can exprefs. 
Yea, and muidtudes more, who were once equally 
dear to me with thefe, though I have laid them in 
the grave, and wept over their dure, are living to 
God, living in the polTeffion of inconceivable delights, 
and drinking large draughts of the water of life, which 
flows in perpetual itreains at his right hand." 

§ 6. O Chriflian, thou art frill intimately united 
and allied to them. Death cannot break a friend- 
ihip t us cemented, and it ought not to render thee 
infenllble of the happinefs of ihofe friends, for whofe 
memory thou retained ib juft an honor. They live 



Rife^progrcfs of ReTigimi w the Sou!, 299 

to God, as his fervants-; they " ferve him, and fee 
his face ;" ( ra ) and they make- but a fmali part of thst 
glorious affembl-y. Millions, equally worthy of thing 
tsfteem and affection with themfelvcs, inhabit thofe 
blifsful regions; and wilt -thou not rejoice in their 
joy ? And wilt thou not adore that everlafting ipring 
of .holisels and happinefs, from whence each of thefe 
ftreams is derived t Yea 1 will add, while the blefled 
angels are fo kindly regarding us, while they are 
miniftring to thee, O Cnriftian, and bearing thee oa 
their arms, " as an heir of falvatjon," (") wilt then 
not rejoice in their felicity too? And wilt thou not 
adore that God, who gives them all the & par ior glory 
of their more exalted nature.and gives them an heaven, 
which fills them with bieffednefs, even while -they 
feem to withdraw from it, that they may attend on 
thee? ^ - 

§ 7. This, and infinitely more than this, the felef- 
fed God is. and was, and (hall ever be. The felicities 
of the bleffei fpirits that furround his throne, and 
thy felicities, O Christian, are immortal. Thefe hea- 
venly luminaries (hall glow with an undecaying flame; 
and thou fhalt fhine and burn among them, when the 
fun and the ftars are gone out. Still mall the un- 
changing Father of lights pour forth his beams upon 
them ; and the luftre they reflect from him, and their 
happinefs in him, fhall be everlafting, fhall be ever 
growing. Bown down, O thou child of God, thou 
heir of glory, bow down and let all thot is within thee 
unite in one act of grateful love .; and let all that is 
around thee, all that is befjre thee in the profpecls 
of an unbounded eternity, concur to elevate and 
traofport thy foul 5 that thou may eft as faft as pof- 
fible, begin the work and bMTedn-fs of heaven, in 
-falling down before the God of it, in openicg thine 
heart to his gracious influences, and in breathing out/ 
before him that incenfe of praife, which thefe warm 



3 oo Rife^ progrefs if Religion in the Soul* 

beams of his prefence and Jove have fo great a ten- 
dency to produce, and to ennoble with "a fragraucy 
refembling that of his paradife above. 
The grateful Soul rejoicing in the Bleffmgs of Providence and 

Grace , and pouring; out it f elf before Ged in vigorous and 

affectionate exercifes of Love and Praife. 

O my God, it is enough ! I have mufed, and 
" the fire burnetii !" O But O, in what language 
mall the flame break forth I What can I fay but this, 
that my heart admires thee, and adores thee, and 
loves thee ! My little veflel is as full as it can hold ; 
and I would pour out all that fulnefs before thee, 
that it may grow capable cf receiving more and more. 
Thou art Ci my hope, and my help ; my glory, and 
the lifter up of my head." (p) " My heart rejoices in 
thy falvation " ( q ) and when I let myfelf under the 
influences of thy good Spirit, to converfe with thee, 
a thoufand delightful thoughts fpring up at once ; a 
thoufand fources ofpleafure are unfeaied,and flow in 
upsn my foul with fuch refreshment and joy, that 
they feem to croud into every moment the happinefs 
of days, and weeks, and months. 

" I blefs thee, O God, for this foul of mine, 
which thou haft created ; which thou haft taught to 
fay,andlhope to the happieft purpofe," where is God 
my Maker ?" ( r ) I blefs thee for the knowledge, with 
wh'ch thou haft adorned it. I blefs thee for that grace, 
with which, i truft lofty (not without humble won- 
der) fay thou haft faa&hied it ; though alas, the 
celeftial phnt is fixed in too barren a foil, and does 
not flouriih to the degree I could wifh. 

" 1 blefs thee alio for that body which thou haft 
given me, and which thou preferveft as yet in its 
ftrength and vigour ; not only capable of relifhiag 
the entertainments which thcu provideft for its various 
fenfes, but (which I efteem far more valuable than 

Pfal. xxxix. 3. (p) P/al. iii. 3. fe) Pfcl. xiH. 5- W Job xxxv. ic 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 331 

any of the m for its own fake) capable of acting with 
fome vivacity in thy fervice. I blefs thee for that eafe 
and freedom, with which thefe limbs of mine move 
themfelves, and obey the dictates of my fpirit, I hope 
as guided by thioe. I blefs the®, that " the keep:rs 
of the houfe do not yet tremble, nor the ftrong men 
bow themfelves ; that they that look out of the win- 
dows are not yet darkened, nor the daughters of mu- 
fic brought low ; I blefs thee, O God of my life, 
that the Over cords are not yet bofed, nor the gol- 
den bowl broken :" (0 For it is thine hand that braces 
all my nerves, an*d thine infinite ikill that prepares 
thofe fpirits, which flow in fo freely, and, when ex- 
hausted, recruit fo foon and fo plentifully. 

" I praife thee for that royal bounty ,with which 
thou provided for the daily fupport of mankind in 
general, and for mine in particular ; for the various 
" table which thou fpreadeft before me, and for the 
overflowing cup which thou putteft into mine hand.'* 

I blefs thee, that thefe bounties or thy Providence 
do not ferve, as it were,to upbraid a difabled appetite, 
and are not like mefTes of meat fet before the dead. 

1 blefs thee too, that " I eat not my rnorfel alone,'' 
O but (hare it with fo many agreeable friends, who 

add the relifh of a focial life to that of the animal at 
our feafons of common repair.. I thank thee for fo 
many dear relatives at home, for fo many kind friends 
abroad, who are capable offervingme in various 
instances, and difpofed to make an obliging ufe of 
that capacity. 

" Nor would I forget to acknowledge thy favour, 
in rendering me capable of ferving others, and giving 
me in any inftances to know, how much " more 
blefled it is to give than to receive.' ' ( x ) I thank thee 
for a heart which feels the forrowsof the neceihtous, 
and a mind which can make it my early care and 

(s) Eccl. sii. 3,4,6. (Q Pfal. xxiii. 5. (u) Job. xxti. zv 

(x) Ads xx, 35. ' 

(XXVI) 



■$b% Ri/f 9 progre/s ofReligkninths SouL 

refrefhment to contrive, according to my little ability 
for their relief ; for " this alio cometh forth from 
thee,0 Lord," ( y ) the great Author of every benevo- 
lent inclination, of every prudent fcheme, of every 
fuccefsful attempt to fpread happinefs around us, or 
in any inftance toieffeo diftrefs. 

" And furely, O Lord, if I thus acknowledge 
f*ie pleafures of fympaihy with the afflicted, much 
more muft I blefs thee for thofe of fyinpathy with the 
happy, with thofe who are completely bleffed. I 
adore thee for the ftreams that water paradife, and 
maintain it in ever-flourifhing, ever-growing delight. 
I praife thee for the reft, the joy, the tranfport, thou 
art giving to many that were once dear to me on 
tearth ; whofe forrows it was my labor to footh, and 
v/hofe joys, efpecially in thee, it was the delight of 
my heart to promote. I praife thee for the bleiled- 
ne'fs of every faint, and of every angel, that furrounds 
thy throne above ; and I praife thee with accents of 
diitinguiihed pleafure, for that reviving hope which 
ihou haft implanted in my bofom, that I ihall erelong 
.know by clear fight, and by everlafting experience^ 
what that felicity of theirs is, which I now only dis- 
cover at a diftance, through the comparatively ob- 
Icure glafs of faith. Even now through thy grace, do 
I feel mylelf borne forward by thy fupporting arm to 
thofe regions of blefTednefs. Even now I am " wait- 
ing for thy falvation," ( z ) with that ardent deCne en 
-the one hand, which its fublime greatnefs cannot but 
Infpire into the believing foul, and that calm resigna- 
tion on the other, which the immutability of thy pro- 
files eftablifhes. 

" And now, O my God, what fhall I fay unto 
thee ! What, but that I lovejtjiee above all the pow- 
ers of language to exprefs ! That I love thee for what 
thou art to thy creatures, who are in their vari- 
ous forms every moment deriving- being, knowledge 

(>•) IfoL xxvlii. 29* ( 7 G ea. xJii, 18. 



Rift,progrefs of Religion hi the Soul* 303 

and happinefs, from thee, in numbers and degrees, 
far beyond what my narrow imagination can con- 
ceive. But O 1 adore and love thee, yet far more, 
for what thou art in thyfelf, for thofe (tores of perfec- 
tion which creation has not diminiihed, and which can 
never be exhauited by ail the eifects of it which thou 
imparteft to thy- creatures ; that infinite perfection, 
which makes thee thine own happinefs, thine own end ; 
amiable, isflnitely amiable and venerable, were al 
derived excellence and happinefs forgot. 

" O thou frrft, thou greater!, thou faired cf all 
objects ! Thou only great, thou only fair, pcffefs all 
my foul ! And furely thou doft poflefs it. . While I 
thus feel thy facred Spirit breathing on my heart, and 
exciting thefe fervors of love to thee,i cannot douft 
it. any more, than 1 can doubt the reality of this ani- 
mal life, wYiie I exert the actings of it, and feel its 1 
iealations. Surely, if ever I knew the appetite or 
hunger, .my foul ct hungers^ afcer rightecumeis," ( a ) 
and longs for -a greater conformity to thy bleiiVcl na> 
ture and holy will. If ever my palate felt thlrfl " my- 
foul thirfteth for God, even lor the living Gcd," ( D 'j 
and panteth for the more abundant communication 1 
of his favour. If ever this body, when wearied with 
labours or jcurnies, knew what it was to wifh for the: 
refr eminent of my bed and rejoiced to reft there, my- 
foul with fweet acquiefcence reffs upon thy .gracious 
bofom, O my heavenly Father, and returns to its re- 
pofe in the embraces of its God,. who " hath dealt ib 
bountifully with it." ( c ) And if ever I faw the face of 
a beloved friend with complacency and joy, I rejoice! 
in beholding thy face, O Lord, and in calling "thee 
my Father in Chrift. Such thou art, and fuch thou 
wilt be, for time, and for eternity. What have I 
more to do, but to commit my f elf to thee for both ?: 
leaving it to thee to " chufe mine inheritance, and to. 
order my affairs for me," ( d ) while all my bufmefs hi 

(a) Mat. v= 6. (b) Pfal. xlii. a. (c) Pfahcxvj. 7. . (d) Pf a u xh-il #4 



304 Rijt, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

to ferve thee, and all my delight to praiiethee. " My 
foul follows hard after God, becaufe his right hand 
upholds me." ( e ) Let it ftiil b~ar me up, and I (hall 
prefs on towards thee, till all my denies be accom- 
plifhed in the eternal enjoyment of thee ! Amen." 



CHAP. XXVIII. 

The ejlablijhed Cbrifrian urged to exert himfelf fir Purpofcs 

ofujefulnefs. 

A fincere love to God will exprefs Itfelf, not only in devotion, but 
in benevolence to men. § I, 2. This is the command of God. § 3. The 
true Chiift'ijri feels his foul wrought to an holy conformity to it 5 § 4- and 
therefore Will de fire instruction on this head. § 5. Accordingly directions 
are givsn for the improvement of various talents i Particularly. (1 ) 
Genius and learning. § 6. (2, ) Power. § 7. (3 ) Domeftic authority. 
5 3. (4.) Efieem._§ 9. (5.) Riches. § 10. Several good w.vs of employing 
them fainted at. §11. Psudence in expevce urged, for the fupiport of 
charity. § zz, 13, Divine direction in this refpecl to be fought. § 14. 
TJie Chrifcian breathing after more extenfive ufefulnctf. 

§ i. £3UCH as I have defcribed in the former 
chapter, L :ruit,are,nnd will be the frequent exercifes 
of -/( ur foul before God. Thus will your love and 
gratitude breathe itfelf Forth in the divine prefence,and 
will, through Jefus the great Mediator, come up be- 
fore it as incenfe, and yield an acceptable favour. 
But then you muft remember, this will not be the 
only eftec: of that love to God, which I have luppofed 
fo warm in your heart. If it be fincere, it will not 
ibend itfelf in words alone ; but wiii difcovcr itfelf hi 
actions, and will produce, as iis genuine fruit, an un- 
feigned love to your fellow-creatures, an unwearied 
delire, and labor to do them good continually. 

§2. " Has the greatFather of mercies," (will you 
fay) looked upon me with fo gracious an eye ; has he 
act only forgiven me ten thoufand offences, but en- 
riched me with fuch a variety of benefits ; O what 
ihall I render to him for them all 1 Inftrucr me, O ye 
oracles of eternahruth ! inftrucr. me,yeelder brethren 

(e) Pfal. Uiii. ?* 






Mfe y progfefs of Religion in the Soilh 3 OJ 

iti the family of my heavenly Father ' Inftruct me 
above all, O'thoii Spirit of wifdom and of love, what 
I may be able to do, to exprefs my love to the great 
eternal Fountain of love, and to approve my fidelity 
to him, who has already done fo much to engage it, 
and who will take fo much pleafure in owning and' 
rewarding it!" 

§ 3. This, O Chriflian, .-" is the command which 
we have heard from the beginning,** and it will ever 
continue in unimpaired force, (i that he, who loveth 
God, mould love his brother alio *" ( a ) and mould 
exprefs that love, " not in word and in profeiiioa 
alone, but indeed and in truth." ( b ) You are to" love 
your neighbor as yourfelf ;" to love " the whole crea- 
tion of God }" and, h far as your influence can ex* 
tend, muft endeavor to make it happy. 

§ 4. " Yes," will you fay, " and { do love it. I 
feel the golden chain of the divine love encircling us 
all, and binding us clofe to each other, joining us in 
one body, and diffufing (as it were) one fcul through 
all. May happinefs, true and fublime, perpetual and 
evergrowing happinefs, reign through the whole world 
of God's rational and obedient creatures in heaven 
and on earth ! And may every^ revolted creature, that 
is capable of being recovered and reftored, be made 
obedient ! Yea, may theneceflarypunimment of thofe 
who are irrecoverable, be over-ruled by infinite wif- 
dom and love to the good of the whole i 5> 

§ 5. Thefe are right fentiments ; and if they are 
indeed the ientiments of your heart; O reader, and. 
n^tan empty form of vain words, they will be atten- 
ded with a ferious concern to act in fubordination to 
this great fcheme of divine Providence, according to 
your abilities in their utmoii extent. And to this 
purpofe, they will put you on furveving the peculiar-' 
circumftances of your life and being ; that you may 
difcover what opportunities of ufefuinefs they how af- 

(a) 1 John iv. 21. (b) 1 John lit, 18, 

(XXVI 2 ) 



30*> Rife* progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

ford, and bow thofe opportunities and capacities may 
be improved. Enter therefore into fuch a farvey ; 
cot that you may pride ycurfelf in the diftincfions 
of divine Providence or grace towards you, or " hav- 
ing received, may glory as if yoti had not received ;" 
( c ) but that you 'may deal faithfully with the great 
Proprietor, whofe ft eward ycu are, and by whom you 
are intrufted with every talent, which, with refpect 
to any claim from your fellow-creatures, ycu may 
call your own. And here, " having gifts differinc; 
according to the grace which is given unto us," (*) 
let us held the balance with an impartial hand, that 
fo we may determine what it is that God requires of 
us ; which is nothing lets, than doing the moft we 
<?an invent, contrive, and effect, for the general good. 
But O, how feidom is this eftimate faithfully made ! 
And how much does the world around us, and how 
much do our own fouls fuffcr, for want of that fidelity ! 

§ 6. Hath God given you gerius and learning ? 
It was not, that you might amufe or deck ycurielf 
with it, and kindle a blaze which fhould only ferve to 
attract ar.d dazzle the eyes of men. It was intended, 
to be the means of ieadirg both yourfelf and them 
to the Father of lights. And it will be your duty, 
according to the peculiar turn of that genius and ca- 
pacity, either to endeavor to improve and adorn hu- 
man life, or, by a more direct application of it to di- 
vine fubjects j to plead the caufe of religion, to defend 
its truths, to enforce and recommend its practice, to 
deter men from courfes which would be difhonor-jble 
to God and fatal to themfelves, and to try the utmoft 
efforts of all the fblemnity and tendernefs with which 
you can clothe your addreiTes, to lead them into the 
paths of virtue and happinefs. 

§ 7. Hath God inverted you with power, whether 
it be in a larger or fmaller feciety ? Remember., that 
this power was given you, that God might be honor- 

(0 1 Cor. iv. 7 % (d) Rom, sji. 6. 



Rife* progrefs of, Religion in the EouL 307 

ed, and thofe placed under your government, whether 
domeflic or public, might be made happy. Be con- 
cerned, therefore, that whether you be minified with 
the rod or the (word, it may Ci not be borne in vain." 

( e ) Are you a magiflrate ? Have you any (hare in the 
great and tremendous charge of enacting laws ? Re- 
verence the authority of the fupreme Legifb.tor, the 
great Guardian offbciety : Promote none, conicnt to 
none, which you do not in your own confcience ef- 
teera, in preien: circumstances, an imitation of his 
will ; and in the eflabliihment of which you do not 
firmly believe you (hall be " his miniiier for good. " 

( f ) Have you the charge of executing laws ? Put life 
into them by a vigorous and ftrenuous execution, ac- 
cording to the nature of the particular office you bear. 
Retain not an empty name of authority. Permit not - 
yourielf, as it were, to fall afleep on the tribunal- Be 
active, be wakeful, be obiervant of what pafleth 
around you. Protect the upright, and the innocent. 
Break in pieces the power of the opprefior. Unveil 
every difhoneft art. Difgrace as well as defeat the 
wretch, who makes his dilimguifned abilities the dif- 
guife or protection of the wickednefs which he ought 
rather to endeavor to expoi'e, and to drive out of the 
world with abhorrence. 

> § 8. Are you placed only at the head of a private 
family ? Rule it for God. - Adminifter the concerns 
of that little kingdom with the fame views, and on the 
fame principles, which I have been inculcating on the 
powerful and the grear ; if by an unexpected acci- 
dent any of them mould firffer their eye to glance up- 
on the palTdge above. Children and iervants are your 
natural fubjects. Let good order be eftablifhed among 
them, and keep them under a regular difcipline. Let 
them be inilrucl.d in the principles of religion, that 
they may know how reasonable fuch a difcipline is ; 
and let them be accuftomed to aft accordingly. You 

(e) Rom. siil. 4. CO ^id. 



3C& Rift, prsgrefs of Religion in the Seal. 

Cannot indeed change their hearts, but you may very 
much influence "their conduct ; and by that means 
may preierve them from many mares, may do a great 
deal to make them good members of fociety, and may 
" let them, as it were, in the way of God's fieps," 
( ? ) if, peradventnre, pafTmg by he may blefs them 
with ike riches of his grace. And fail not to do 
your utmou to convince them of their need of thofe 
blefungs ; labor to engage them to an high efleem of 
them, and to an earner! defire after tnem, as incom- 
parably mere valuable than any thing elfe. 

§ 9. Again. — Has God been pleafed to raife you - 
to efteem among your fellow-creatures, which is not 
always in proportion to a man's rank or pofleflions 
in human life ? Are your counfels heard with atten- 
tion ? Is your company fought ? Does God give you 
good acceptance in the eyes of men, fo that they do 
not only put the faireft ccnflruclioi": on your words, 
but overlook faults of which you are confeious to 
yourfelf, and confider your actions and performances 
in the moft indulgent and favorable light ? You ought 
to regard this, net only as a favour of Providence, • 
and as an encouragement to you cheerfully to purfue 
your duty, in the leveral branches of it, for the time 
to come ; but alio, as giving you much greater oppor- 
tunities of ufefulnefs, than in your prefent ftation you 
could etherwife have had. If your character has any 
weight in the world, throw it into the right fcaie. 
Endeavor to keep virtue and goodnefs in countenance. 
Affectionately give your hand to medeft worth, where 
it feems to be deprened or overlooked ; though min- 
ing, when viewed in its proper ligh-, with a lnftre 
which you may think much iupenor to your own. 
Be an advocate for trmh ; be a counfellor of peace ; 
be an example of candor ; and do all you can to re- 
concile the hearts of men, and efpecially of good 
men, to each ether, however they may differ ia their 

(g) Pi'al. Ixxzv, 13. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sou!, 3 op 

©pinion about matters winch, it is poiTible. fcr good 
men to difpuie. And let the caution a id Humility of 
your behaviour, in circiimfiaaces cf inch fuperior 
eminence, and amidft fo many tokens of general ef- 
reem, fiiently reprove the rafnneu an J haughtinefs of 
thole, vvh 5 ?, perhaps, are remarkable for little elfe ; 
or, who if rheir abilities were indeed coniiderable, 
muft be delbiled, and whole talents iuul't be in a great 
meafure loli to the public- till that ramnefs and baugh- 
tinefs of ibirit be fubdued. Nor fufler yourfelf to be 
interrupted in this generous and worthy courfe, by 
the little attacks of envy and calumny, which you 
may meet with in it. Be ftill attentive to the general 
good, and fteadily refolute in your efforts to promote 
it ; and leave it to ?rovidence v to guard or to refcue 
your character from the bafe aiiaults of malice and 
faluVod ; which will often, withoui your labor, con- 
fute themfelves, and heap upon the 'authors greater 
fhame, or (if they are inacccifible to that) greater in- 
famy, than your humanity will allow you to with 
them. 

§ io. Once more, has God feleffed you with rich- 
es ? Has he placed you in fuch circumstances that 
you have more than you abiblutely need for the iub- 
iiftence of yourfelf and your family ? Remember your 
approaching account. Remember what an incum- 
brance thefe things often prove to men in the way of 
their falvation,and how often according to our Lord's 
exprefs declaration, they render it " as difficult to 
enter into the kingdom cf God, as it is for a camel to 
go through the eye of a needle." ( h ) Let it, therefore, 
be your immediate, your earned, and your daily pray- 
er, that riches may not be a fnare and a fname to you, 
as they are to, by far, the greater part of their pof- 
fefTors, Appropriate, I befeech you, Lome certain 
part and proportion of your eftate and revenues, to 
charitable ufes, with a proviiional increafe, as God 

(b) Mat. ijx. 34. 



3*0 Rtf e ) progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

fhallprofperyou, in any extraordinary infiance. By 
this means yon will always have a fund of charity at 
hand, and you will probably be more ready to com- 
municate, when you look upon what is fo depofited, 
as not in any fenfe your own ; but as already actually 
given away to thofe ufes, though not yet affixed to 
particular objects. It is not for me to lay, what that 
proportion ought to be. To thofe, who have large 
revenues, and no children, perhaps- a third or one 
half, may be tco little : To thofe, whofe incomes are - 
£mali,and their drtrges confideratle, though they have 
fome thing more than is abfolutely neceflary, it is pof- 
iibie a tenth may be too much. But pray, that God 
would guide your mind ; make a trial for one year, 
on fuch terms, as, in your ccnfcience, ycu think will 
be moft pleaiing to him ; and let your obfervations 
on that, teach you to fix your proportion for the next; 
always remembering, that he requires juftice in the 
firft place, and alms deeds only fo far as may confifr. 
with that. Ye% at the fame time, take heed of that 
treacherous, delufive, and, in many inftances, derlrnc- 
tive imagination, that juftice to your own family re- 
quires that you fhould have your children very rich ; 
which has, perhaps, coft fome parfirncnious parents 
the lives of thofe darlings, for whom they laid up the 
portion of the poor ; and what fatal coafequences of 
divine difpleafure may attend it to thofe who yet far- 
vive, God only knows, and I heartily pray that ycu 
or yours may never learn by experience. 

§ 1 1\ And that your heart may be yet more 
opened, and that your charity may be dire&ed to the 
bell purpofes, let me briefly mention a variety of 
good ufes, which may call for the cocfideration of 
thofe whom God Has, in this refpeft, d : ftinguifhed 
by a a ability to do good. To affiit the hints 1 am to 
offer, look round on the neighborhood in which you 
live. Think how many honeft and induftrous, per- 
haps too, I might add, 'religious people, are making 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in ibs Sou!, 3 1 1 

very hard fhiftt to ftruggle through life. Think what 
a comfort that would be to them, which you might, 
without any inconvenience, fpare from that abun- 
dance which God hath given you — Hearken alfo to 
any extraordinary calls of charity which may happen, 
efpscially thofe of a public nature ; and help them 
forward with your example, and your mtereit, which 
perhaps, may be of much greater importance than 
thefum which you contribute, confidered in itfelf. 
Have a tongue to plead for the neceffitcus, as well as 
a hand to relieve them ; endeavor to difcountenance 
thofe poor, fhameful excufes, which covetoufnefs of- 
ten dictates to thofe whofe art may indeed fzt fame 
vamilh on what they fuggeft, but, fo flight a one, 
tnat the coarfe ground will appear through it — See 
how many poor children are wandering naked and 
ignorant about the ftreets, and in the way to all kinds 
of vice and mifery ; and coniider what can-be done 
towards clothing fome of them at ieafi, and inftruc- 
ting them in the principles of religion. Would every 
thriving family in a^ town, which is able to afford 
help on iuch eccauons, caff a pitying eye on one poor 
family in its neighborhood, and take it under their 
patronage,to aflift in feeding,and clothing, and teach- 
ing the children ; kxiupportingit in affliction, in defend- 
ing it from wrongs, and in advifmg thofe who have 
the management of it, as cireumfcances may require, 
liow great a difference would foon be produced in the 
appearance of things among us ? Obferve who are 
fkk, that if there be no public infirmary at hand to 
which you can introduce them (where your contri- 
bution will yield the largefl increafe) you may do 
fomething towards relieving them at home, and fap. 
plying them with advice and medicines, as well as 
with proper diet and attendance. Confider alfo the 
fpiritual necefilties of men ; in providing for which, I 
would particularly recommend to you the very im- 
-portant and noble charity, of aiLfting young pirfens 



312 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sow. 

of genius and 'piety, with what is neceffary to fupport 
the expesce of their education for the minifrry, in a 
proper ccurfe of grammatical or academical ftudies. 
And grudge not fome proportion of what Cod hath 
given you, to thofe, who, refigring all temporal views 
to minifter to you the gofpel of Chrift, have furely 
an equitable claim to be fupported by you, in a capa- 
city of rendering you thofe fervices, however labori- 
ous, to which, for ycur fakes, and that of our jcom- 
mon Lord, they have devoted their lives. And while 
you are fo abundantly " Satisfied with the goodnefs 
of God's houfe, even of his holy temple," {') have 
companion on thofe who dwell in a defart land ; and 
rejoice to do fomething towards fending among the 
diitant nations of the heathen world, that glorious 
gofpel which hath fo long continued unknown to mul- 
titudes, though the knowledge of it, with becoming 
regard, be life everL; fling. — Thefe are a few impor- 
tant charities, which I would point out to thofe whom 
Providence has enriched with its peculiar bounties : 
And it renders geld more precious, than it could ap- 
► pear in any other light, that it is capable of being em- 
ployed for fuch purp?/fes. But if you mould not have 
gold to fpare for them, contribute your filver : Or 
as a farthing, or a mite, is not overlooked by God 9 
when it is given " from a truly generous and charita- 
ble heart," ( k ) let that be cheerfully dropped into the 
treafury, where richer offerings cannot be afforded. 

§ 12. And, that amid fo many preiling demands 
for charity, you may be better furnifhed to anfwer 
them, ferioufiy reflect on your maimer of living. I 
fay not, that God requires you mould become one 
of the many poor, relieved out of your income^. The 
iupport of feciety, as at prefent eflablifhed, will not 
only permit, but require, that fome peribns mould 
allow themfelves in the elegancies and delights of life; 
by furaifhing which, multitudes of poor families are 

(i) Pfa5, lxv. 4. {U) Maik xii. 4*, 43 • 



Rife, prcgrefs of Religion in the SouL 3 1 3 

much more creditably and comfortably fubfifted, with 
greater advantage to themfblves and fafety to the pub- 
lie, than they could be, if the price of their labors, 
or the commodities in which they deal, were to be 
given them as an alms : Nor can I imagine it grateful 
to God, that his gifts mould be refufed, as if they 
were meant for mares and curfes, rather than bene- 
fits. This were to fruftrate the benevolent purpofes 
of the gracious Father of mankind, and if carried to 
its rigour would be a fort of confpiracy agamii: the 
whole fyftem of nature— Let the bounties of Provi- 
dence be ufed : but let us carefully fee to it, that it 
be in a moderate and prudent manner, left, by our 
own folly, " that which fhould have been for our 
welfare become a trap." ( r ) Let confcience fay, my 
dear reader, with regard to yourfelf, what propor- 
tion of the good things you poflefs your heavenly Fa- 
ther intends for yourfelf, and what for your breth- 
ren ; and live not, as if you had no brethren ; as if 
pleaimg yourfelf, in all the magnificence and luxury 
you can deviie, were the end for which you were fent 
into the world. I fear this is the excefs of the pre- 
" lent age, and not an excels of rigour and mortification. 
Examine therefore your expsnces, and compare them 
with your income. That may b€ ihamefuliy extra- 
vagant in you, which may not only be pardonable, 
but commendable in another of fuperior eitate. Nor 
can you be (lire, that you do not exceed, merely be- 
caufe you do not plunge yourfelf in debt, nor render 
yourfelf incapable of laying up any thing for your. 
family, if you be difabt'ed from doing any thing for 
the poor, or any thing proportionable to your rank 
hi life, by that genteel and elegant way of living which 
you aiiecio Goal mutt oilapprcve of inch a conduct, ; 
and you ought^as you will anfwer it to hha, to re- 
trench it. And though the divine indulgence will u&« 

(!) PO.1. Ix!x. 23. 

' .(XXV11-) 



3 14 -Rife) P rQ £ re fi of Religion in the SduL 

dcubtecly be exercifed to thofe in whom there is a 
ilncere principle of faith in Chrift , and undinembled 
lc>ve to God and man, though it aft not to that height, 
of beneficence and ufefulnefs which might have been 
attained ; yet be allured of this, that he, who render- 
eth to every one according to his work, will have a 
Uriel regard to the degrees ofgoodnefs in thedifirihu- 
tion -of final rewards : So that every neglected oppor- 
tunity draws after it an irreparable lofs, which will 
go into eternity along with you. And let me add too, 
that every inftance of negligence indulged renders the 
mind Rill mere and more indolent and weak, and con- 
sequently more indifpofed to recover the ground w ich 
has been lofl,cr even to maintain that which has hither-- 
to been kept. 

§ 13. Complain not, that this is impofing hard 
things upon yon. I am only directing your pleafures 
into a nobler channel ; and indeed that frugality, which 
Is the fource of fnch a generofity, far from being at 
all injurious to your reputation, will rather, amongft 
wife and good men, greatly promote it. But you have 
far nobler motives before you than thofe which 
arife from their regards. I fpeak to you., as to a 
child of God, and a member of Chrift ; as joined 
therefore by the moft intimate union to all the pooreit 
of thofe who believe in him. I fjfteak to you, as an 
heir of eternal glory, who ought therefore to have 
fentiments great and fnblime, in fome proportion to 
that expected inheritance. 

§ 14. Cafe about therefore iayour though? s, what 
good is to be done, and what you can do, either in 
your own' perfen, or by your intereft with others ; 
and go about it with refoluticn, as in the name and 
prefence of the Lord. And as " the Lcrd giveth 
wifdom, and cut of his mouth cometh knowledge and 
underftanding," ( m ) go to the foot-ftool of his throne, 
and there feck that guidance and that ^race, which 

(m) Prov. ii. 6, 



Rife> progrefs cf Religion in the SouL 315 

may fuit your prefent circumftances, and may be ef- 
fectual to produce the fruits of holiaefs and ufeful- 
nefs, to his abundant glory, and the honour of your 
Chriftian profeffion. 

The efiakilftied CHRISTIAN breathing after more extevjivs. 
iifefulnefs. 

" O BOUNTIFUL Father, and fbvereign Au- 
thor of all good, whether natural or fbiritual ! I blefs- 
thee for the natural talents, with which thou haft en- 
riched fo undefer ving a creature, as I muft acknow- 
ledge raylelf to be. My foul is in the deepen: con- 
fufion before thee, when 1 confider to how little pur- 
pofe I have hitherto improved them. Alas ! what 
have I done, in proportion to what thou imghteft rea~ 
ibnably have expected, with the gifts of nature which 
thou haft beft jwed upon me, v* ith my capacities of 
life, with my time, with my priTeifions, with my in- 
fluence over others ! Alas ! through my own negligence 
and fully, I look back on a barren wilderneis, where 
I might have feen a fru'tful field, and a fpringing bar- 
veil ! Juftiy do I indeed deferve to be ftrippsd of all, . 
to be brought to an immediate account for all, to be 
condemned as, in many refpscls, unfaithful to thee,, 
and to the world, and to my own foul ; and, in con- 
fequence of that condemnation, to be caft into the . 
pnfoa -of eternal darkoefs i But thou, Lord, haft free- 
ly forgiven the dreadful debt often thouiand talent, 
Adored be thy name for it ! Accept, O Lord, accept 
that renewed iurrender, which I would now make 
of myfelf, and of all I have, unto thy fervice: 1 ac- 
knowledge, that it is " of thine own that I give 
thee." ( n ) Make me, I befeech thee, a faithful ftew- 
ard for my great Lord ; and may I think of no fe- 
parate intereft of my own, in oppofition to thine. 

" I adore thee, O thou God of ail grace, if 
while I am thus fpeaking to thee, I feel the love of 

^n) 1 Chron. xxix. 14* 



3 1 6' Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul, 

thy creatures arifing in my foul ; if I feel my heart 
opening to embrace my brethren of mankind — O 
make me thy faithful almoner, in diiiributiag to them 
all that thou haft lodged in mine hand for their re- 
lief ! And in determining what is my own (hare, may 
I hold the balance with an equal hand, and judge im- 
partially between myfelf and them—The proper tion 
ihou alio weft, may I thankfully take for myfelf, 2nd 
ihofe who are immediately mine ; the reft, may I 
diftribute with wifdom and fidelity, and cheerfumefs. 
Criiicte mine hand, O ever merciful Father, while 
thou d oft me the honor to make me thine indru-ment 
in dealing out a few of thy bounties ; that i may 
beftow them where th ey are moft needed, and where 
they will anfwer the beft end. And, if it he thy 
gracious will, do thou " multiply the feed fown ;" 
.(°) profper me in my worldly affairs, that I may h::ve 
:more to impart to them that Deed it ; and t ..us lead 
me on to the region of everlaii-ii-g plenty, and ever- 
.lailing benevolence ! There may i meet with many, 
to whom I have been an affectionate benefactor ca 
earth ; and, if it be thybleffed will, with many, whom 
I have alfo been the means of conducing into the 
path to that blifsful abode ! There may -hey enter- 
tain me is their habitations of glory I And in time 
and eternity, do thou, Lord, accept the praife of all, 
through Jems Chrift ; at whole feet I would bow ; 
and at whole feet, after the moil ufeful ce.urfe, I 
woul? at raft die, with as much humility, as if I were 
then exerting the firii act of fai th upon him, and had 
never had any opportunity, by one tribute of pbed:- 
ence and gratitude in the fervices of life, to approve 
its fnceritv. " 



£&*= 



sV) z Cor. ix. ic. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 3 17 

CHAP. XXIX. 

The Chrifidn rejoicing in the views of Death and Judgment* 

Death and judgment are near j but the Chriftian has reafon to wel- 
come both : § I, Yet nature recoils from the folemnity of them. § 2. An 
attempt to reconcile the mind, (f.) To the profpecl: of death, § 3. from 
the consideration, (1.) of the many evils that furround us in this mor- 
tal life, § 4 (2.) Of the remainder of fin which we feel within us. § ^. 
.And, (3 ) Of the happinefs which is immediately to fucceed death. § 6, 7. 
All vvh:ch might make the Chriftian willing to die, in the moft agreea- 
ble cirj-umftanees of human Jife. § 8. (II.) The Chriftian has reafon to 
rejoice in the profpcct cf judgment :§ 9. Since, however awful it be, 
Chrift will then come, to vindicate his honor, to difplay his glory, and to 
triumph over his enemies : §10. And alfo to complete the happinefs of 
every believer, § if. and of the whole church. § i2 t 13. The meditation 
of a Chriftian, whofe heart is warmed with theie proipecls. 



' § i. VV HEN the vifions of the Lord were 
clofing upon John, the beloved difciple, in the Ifland 
of Patmos, it is obfervabie, that he who gave him 
that revelation, even Jefus the faithful and true wit- : 
nefs ; concludes withthofe lively and important words: 
:" He, who teftifleth theie things faith, furely I come 
quickly :" And John anfwers with the greateft readi- 
Befs audpleafure, "amen, even fo come, Lord Jefus ! J? 
( a ) Come, as thou haft faid, furely and quickly !— 
And remember, O Chriftian, whoever you are that 
are now reading thefe words, your divine Lord (peaks 
in the fame language to yo.n : Behold, I come quickly^ 
Yes, very quickly will he come by death 5 to turn the 
key, to open the door of the grave for thine entrance 
thithtr, and to lead thee through it into the now un- 
known regions of the invifible world. Nor is it long 
before " the Judge who rlandeth at the, door," 
will appear alfo to. the univerfal judgment : And 
though perhaps, not only fcores, - but - hundreds- cf 
years may lie between that period and the prefent 
rnomest, yet it is but a very fmail point of time to 
him, who views at once all the immeasurable sges of 
a pair, and future eternity. " A thoufand years are 
with him but as one "day, and one day as a thoufand 
years." ( c ) In both thefe fenfes then dees he come 

.(a) Rev. *xii. 20, (b) Jam. y. 9. (c) % Pet, [ij r g, 

(XXVII 2) 



3 1 8 Rife, progreh of Rekgim in the tail. 

quickly : And I trull, you can anfwer with a glad 
amen, that the warning is not terrible or unpleaiant 
to your ears ; but rather, that his coming, his cer- 
tain, his fpeedy coming, is the object of jour de- 
lightful hope, and of your longing expectation. 

§ 2. I am fure, it is reafonable it fhculd be fo ; 
and yet, perhaps, nature, fond of life, and unwilling 
to part with along known abode, to enter £n a ftate 
to which it is entirely a ftranger, may recoil from the 
thoughts of dying : or, maick with the awful pomp of 
an expiring and diffolving world, may look on the 
judgment day with fome mixture of terror. And 
therefore, my dear brother in the Lord, (for as fuch 
I can now efteem you) I would reafon with you a 
little on this head, and would intreat you to lock 
more attentively on this folemn object, which will, I 
truft, grow lefs difagreeable to you, as it is more fa- 
miliarly viewed. Nay, I hope, that infteac? of (fart- 
ing back from it, you will rather fpring forward to- 
wards it with joy and delight. 

§ 3. Think, O Chrillian, when Chr .ft comes to 
call you away by death, he comes— to fet you at lib- 
erty from your prefent forrows — to d eliver you from 
your ftruggles with remaining corruption — and to re- 
ceive you to dwell with himfelf in complete holinefs 
and joy. You fhall " be abfent from the body, and 
be prefent with the Lord." ( d ) 

§ 4. He will indeed call you away from this 
world. IJut O, what is this world, that you fhould 
be fond of it, and cling to it with fo much eageroefs ! 
How low are all thoie enjoyments that are peculiar 
to it! and how many its vexations, its fnares, and 
its forrows ! Review your pilgrimage thus far, end 
though you mure acknowledge, that " goodnefs raid 
mercy have followed you all the clays of your life/* 
O yet has not that very mercy itfelf planted fom e 

fd) S Cor. y 4 g, (e) Pfal, 2X iii, 6. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul 3 1 9 

thorns in your paths, and given, you feme wife and 
neceiiary, yet painful intimations, that "this is not 
your reft t" ( f ) Review the monuments of your with- 
ered joys, of your biafled hopes ; if there be yet any 
monuments of them remaining, more than a mourn- 
ful remembrance they have left behind in your arRic- 
ied heart. Look upon the graves, that "have (wal- 
lowed up many of your deareil and moft amiable 
friends, perhaps', in the very bloom of life, and in the 
greateft intimacy of your converfe with them ; and 
reflect, that if you hold it out a few years mere, death 
will renew its conquefts at your €xpence, and de- 
vour the moft precious of thole that yet furvive. 
View the living, as well as the dead : Behold the 
ftate of human nature, under the many grievous 
marks of its apoftacy from God ; and fay, whether 
a wife and good man would wifh to continue always 
here. Memmks, were I myfelf fecure from being 
reached by any of the arrows that fly around me, I 
could not but mourn, to fee the wounds that are given 
by them, and to hear the groans of thofe who are con- 
tinually falling under them. Ihedifeafes and cala- 
mities of mankind are fo many, and (which is moft 
grievous of all) the diftempers ' of their minds are fo 
various _and fo threatening, that the world appears 
al moft like an hofpital : And a man,whofe heart is ten- 
der, is ready to feel his fpirits broken, as he walks 
through it, and furveys the fad fcene ; efpecially when 
he fees, how little he can do for the recovery of thofe 
whom he pities. Are you a Chriftian, and does it 
not pierce your heart, to fee how human nature is funk 
in vice, and in fharae ? to fee with what amazing in- 
folence feme, are making themfelves onenly vile, and 
how the name of Chrift is diihonored by many too 
who call themfelves his people ■? to fee the unlawful 
deeds and filthy practices of thofe who live ungodlv, 
and to behold, at the fame time, the infirmities at leaft, 
CO Mid. n. 10. 



320 Rife, progrcfs of Religion in tie Sou!. 

and irreg alarities of thofe, concerning whom we have 
better hopes ? And do you not wifh to efcape from 
fuch a world, where " a righteous and companionate 
foul muif be vexed from day to day, by fo many fpec- 
tades of fm and mifery ?*' ( s ) 

§ 5. Yea, to come nearer home, do you not feel 
fomething within you, which you long to quit, and 
which would embitter even Para fife itfeif ? Some- 
thing;, which were it to continue, would grieve and 
diftrefs you even in the fociety of the blefled ? Do 
you not feel a remainder of indwelling fm, the fad 
confequence of the original revolt of our nature from 
God I Areycu not ftruggling every day with fome 
refidue of corruption, or at leaft, mourning on account 
cf the weaknefs of your graces ? Do you not of en 
find your fpirics dull and languid, when you would 
defire to raif'j them to the greateft fervour in the fer- 
vice of God ? Do you not find your hearts too often 
infenfible of the richer! inftances of his love, and your 
hands feeble in the fervice, even when a to will is 
prfent with you r" ( h ) Does not your life, in its befl 
days and hours, appear a low unprofitable [hing, when 
compared with what you are fenfihle it ought to be, 
and with what you wifh that it were ? Are you not 
frequently, as it were, ftretchmg the pinions of the 
mind, and faying, " O that I had wings like a dove, 
that 1 might fly away and be at reft ?" 

§ 6. Should you not then rejoice in the thoughts, 
that Jefus comes to deliver you from thefe complaints ? 
That" he comes to anfwer your wifhes, and to fulfil 
the larger! defires cf your heart, thofe defires that he 
himfelf has infpired r That he comes to open upon 
you a world of purity and joy, of active, exalted, and 
unwearied fervices ? 

§ 7. O Chnftian,hcw often have you caff a long- 
ing eye- towards rhofe happy lhores. and wimedtopafs 
the fea, the- boifterous, unpleafant, dangerous fea, 

"(g) 4 Pet. ii. 8. ; (h) Rom. vii. 18. (I) Pfal, Iv. 6. 



RiJ}, progrefi of Religion in 'the Soul "321 

that Cep" 1 rates you from them ? When, your Lord has 
condefcended to make you a fhort vifit ia his ordi- 
nances on earth, how have you bleft the time, and 
the place, and pronounced it, amidfi many other dis- 
advantages of fituation, to be " the very gate of 
heaven ?-" ( k ) And is it fo delightful to 1 ehoid this 
gate, and will it not be much more fo to enter into it ? 
Is it fo .delightful to receive the vilits of jefus for an 
hour, and will it not be infinitely mere fo to dwell with 
him forever I*' " Lord" may you well fay, " when I 
dwell with thee, I mall dwell In holinefs, for thou 
thyfelf art holinefs ; I mall dwell in love, for thou 
thyfelf art 1 we : I (hall dwell in joy, for thou art the 
fountain of jov, as " thou art in the Father, and the 
Father in thee." ( ! ) tSid welcome to his apprc ach, there- 
fore, to take you at your word, and to fulfil to you 
that iky in r 01 his,on which your foul has fo often refi- 
ned with heavenly peace and pleafure ; " father, I 
will that they whom thou h?ft given me, be with me 
where I am, that they may behold my glory, which 
thou haft given me." ( m ) 

§ 8. Surely, you may fay in 'this view, " The 
fboner Chiift comes, the better." What though the 
refidue cfyeur days be cut off in the midfc ?--\Vfc.at" 
though you leave manyexpecled pleasures in life un- 
tafted, and many fchemes unaccompljfhed. ? Is it not 
enough, that what is taken from a mortoi life mail be 
added to a glorious e f er.:ity : and that yen (hell fpeael 
thole days and years in the prefence and fervice of 
Clinic in heaven, which you nrghf otherwise have- 
fpent with him, and for himiu the imperfect enjoy- 
ments and labors of ear' h ? 

§ 9. But your profpects reach, not only beyond 
death, but beyond the feparate ibte. For with re- 
gard to his final appearance to judgment our Lord 
fays,"furelyl come quickly," in the fenfeilluftrated be- 
fore, and fo it will appear to lis, if we compare this 

(k} Geiu xxviii. ij. (■) John xvii, 21. (m) John xvil, 24. 



322 ' Rife,progrefs of Religion in the Soul* 

interval of time with the blifsful eternity which is to 
iiicceed it ; and probably, if we compare* it with thofe 
ages which have already palled, fir.ee the fun began 
to meafure out to earth its days and its years. , And 
will you not here alfo fing your part in the joyful an- 
them, Amen ; even fo come, Lord Jefo ! 

§10. It is true 5 Christian, it is an awful day ; a 
day, in which nature (hall be thrown into a coofufion 
as yet unknown. No earthquake, no eruption of 
burning mountains, no defolaticnof cities by devour- 
ing flames, or of countries by overflowing rivers or 
leas, can give any jufr. emblem of that dreadful day ; 
when " the heavens beirgon Are mall be dlilblve:!, 
as well as the earth, and all that is therein fnall be 
burnt up ;" O when all nature fho.il flee away in 
amazement " before the f ape -of the uciverfal Judge,": 
(°) and there mail be a great cry, far beyond what was 
known in the iaod of Egypt, when " there was not a 
houfe in winch there was not one dead." ( p ) Ycur 
fleih may be ready to tremble at the view ; yet your 
fpirit inuil furely '' rejoice in God your Saviour." ( q ) 
You may justly fay, " Let this illustrious day come, 
even with all its horrors ! r> Yea, like the Chiiftians"' 
delcribei by the apoille, ( r ) you may be looking for, 
and haftening to that day of terrible brightneis and 
univerfal doom'. For your Lord will then c;me, to 
vindicate thejuSice of thofe proceedings which have 
been, in mr ay balances, ib much obfeured, and be- 
caufe the] have been ebfeured, have been alio blaf- 
- . He will co-iie to difplry his magr.incence, 
:kfcendingfroro heaven ".with a about, with the voice 
of the archangel, and with the trump of God ;" (0 
raking his feat upon a throne infinitely. exceeding that 
cf eartbif , or even ofceleftial prince?, clothed with 
w his Father's glory and his own ;" [0 furrennded 

.' 16. 



Z Pett in. io, II. 


(->) Rev. xx. ii. 


(p) Exo. xi\ 


Luke i. 47- 


[i)2 Pet. i\i. iZ, 


(s) i The a 


Luke ix. %t. 







Rtje, progrsfs of 'Religion in th - ■■. 323 

with a numberleisoofc of-" fhhi tfg attends; !.?./' when 
6i conrrg to be gloriiieJ in his faints, and admired in 
all them chat believe/' ( u ) His enemies fh-li alio be 
produced to grace his triumph ; the fernery fhall be 
teen there roiling in the duft, and tr dden under foot 
by him and by all his fervants ; tkcfe who once 
condemned him, mall tremble at his prefence ; and 
thbfe who once bowed the knee before him in pro- 
fane nreckery, fnall, in wild defpair, " call to the moun- 
tains to fall upon them, and to the rocks to hide them 
from the face of that lamb of God," (x) whom they 
once led away to the moil inhuman {laughter. 

§ if. O Chriman, does not your loyal heart 
bound at the thought ? And are you net ready, even 
while you read thefe lines, to begin the vicl .rious 
Qiout in which you are then to join ? Hejufrly expects 
thai your thoughts mould be greatly elevated and 
irapreffed with the views of his triumph ; but, at the 
fame time, he permits you to remember your own 
perfonal fhare in the joy and glory of that bleflei day : - 
And even now he has the view before him, of what 
his power and Jove fhall then accomplifn for your fal- 
vation. And what fhall it not accompliih ? He fhall 
come, to break the bars of the grave, and to re-ani- 
mate your flsepihs; clay. Your bodies imift, indeed, 
be laid in the drift, and be lodged there as a teftimo- 
ny of God's difpleafure againft fin ; againft the fir It 
fm that was ever committed, from the fad confequen- 
ces of which the dea? eft of his children cannot be 
exempted. But you fnall then have an ear to hear 
the voice of the fan of God, and an eye to behold the 
Inure of his appearance ; and fnall Ci mine forth like 
the fun" ( y ) arifiag in the clear heaven, " which is 
as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber." ( 2 ) Your 
foul fhall be new dreffed to grace this high folemnity ; 
and be clothed net with the rags of mortality, tut 

(m) 2 Thef. I. 10. (x) Pvev. vi. 16. (y) Mate. xiii. 43; 
(z)Pfal. xx. 5. 



3 24 Rtfe^progrefi of Religion in the Soul. 

with the robes of glory \ for he " fliall change this 
vile body, to fafhion it like his own g-L rious body." 
( a ) And when you are thus royally arrayed, he fliall 
confer public honors on you, and on all his people be- 
fore the ailembied world. You may now, perhaps, 
be leaded with infamy, called by reproachful narn.-s, 
and charged with crime?, or with views which your 
very foul abhors : But he will then " bring forth your 
righteoufnefs as the light," ( b ) ; ' and your falvaiion 
as a lamp that burnetii." ( c ) Though ycu have been 
di [honored by men, you fliall be acknowledged by 
God ; and though treated " as the filth of the world, 
and the ofT-fcouriag of all things," ( d ) he will fhew 
taat he regards you, " a? his treafure, in the day 
that he makes up his jewels." ( e ) When he (hall " put 
away all tie wicked of the earth like drofs," ( f ) you 
fhall be pronounced righteous in that full aiTembly ; 
and though, indeed, you have broken the divine law, 
and might ia Irrict jaixice have been condemned, yet, 
bring clothed with the righteoufnefs of the great Re- 
deerner,ev ; n, iC that righteoufnefs which is of God by 
faith," (?) ju&ce itfelf mail acquit you, and join with 
rev in <; be't wing upon you a crown of life." {'') 
Ghrift " will confefs you beft re men and angels," (') 
will pronounce you "goad and faithful fervants, and 
call you to en er into the joy of your Lard :" ( k ) He 
[peak of you with endearment, as his brethren, 
a.id will acknowledge " the kindnefles which have 
= n -hewn t3 you. as if he hid received them in his 
own perfon." (') Yea, then (hall you, O Christian, 
who may, perhaps, have let in forae of the bweil 
places in our affsmhlies, though (it may be) none of 
the rich and great of the earth would condefcend to 
bak upon or fpeak to you, be called to bean affeffor 

fa) Ptft Hi, 21. (o) Pfal. xzxviil. 6. (c) ifa. x'n. I. 

(.]) I Cor. iv. 13. (0 Mai. iii. 17. (f) Pfal. cxix. 119. 

(■..) Phil. iii. 9. (n) 2 Tina. iv. 8. (ij Luke xii. 8. 

{kj Mat. xxv. 21, ('/Mat, xxv. 40. 



Rfc.pi'ogrefs of Religion in the Soul* 325 

with Chrift on his judgment feat, and to join with 
hi in in the lentencc he iliall pafs on wicked men and 
reoeilious angels. 

§ 1 2. Nor is it merely one day of glory and of 
triumph* Bui,when the judge arifes and attends to 
his Father's court, ail the bleifed fhall afcend with 
him, and you among the reft : You fhall afcend toge- 
ther with yourSaviour, Ci to his Father and your Fa- 
ther, to his God and your God." ( n ) You fhall go 
to make your appearance in the New-Jerufalexn, _ in 
thofe new ihining forms that you have received, waich 
will, no doubt, be attended with a correfpondent im- 
provement of mind 5 and take up your perpetual 
abode in that fulnefs of joy, with which yon fhall be 
filed and Satisfied " in the pretence of God," (°) up- 
on the confummation of that happinefs, which the 
faints in the intermediate ftate have been wifhing and 
waiting fro. You fhall go, from the ruins of a dif- 
fusing world, to " the new heavens and new earth 
wherein righteoufheis forever dwells." ( p ) 1'here all 
the number of God's elect fhall be accompllfhed, and 
the happinefs of each fhall be completed. The 
whole fociety fhall be " prefented before God, as the 
bride, the lamb's wife," (<0 whom the eye of its celef- 
tial bridegroom (hall furvey with unutterable delight, 
and confers to be " without fpot or wrir-kle, or any 
fuch thing :" ( r ) its character and fkte being juft what 
he originally defigned it to be, when he firft enga- 
ged to " give himfelf for it, to redeem it to God by 
his blood." ( f ) " So fhall you ever be v^ith each other, 
and- with the Lord ;" ( ;t ) and immortal ages fhall rell 
away, and find you ftill unchanged ; your happinefs 
always the fame, and your relifh for it the fame ; or 
rather ever growing, as your fouls are approaching 

(n) John xx. 17. (o) Pfaj. xvi. II. (p) a Pet. iii. 13, 
(<]) Rev. xxi. 9. (r) Eph. v. 37. (s) Rev, v. 9. 

(t) 1 Theff. iv, 17. 

(XXVIII) 



326 Rife, progrefs of Religion in tlecoul. 

nearer and nearer to him, who is the fource of hap- 
pinefs, and the centre of infinite perfection. 

§ 13. And now, look round about upoia earth, 
and fmgle out, if you can, the enjoyments or the 
hopes, for the fake of which you would fay, Lord, 
delay thy coming ; or for the fake of which you any 
mere mould heiitate to exprefs your longing for it, 
and to cry, '* even fo, come, Lord Jefus, come quickly 1 

The ^Meditation and Prayer of a Christian 
ivkofe Heart is warmed with ihefe J'rofpecls* 

« O BLESSED Lord! My foul is enkindled 
m thefe views, and riles to thee in the flame." ( u ) 
Thou heft testified, thou comeft quicklv : And I re- 
peat my joyful alfent, " Amen— Even fo, come, Lcrd 
jefus \" (*] Come, fori long to have done with this 
low life ; to have done with its burthens, its forrows, 
and its (hares ! Come, for I long to afcend into thy 
prefence, and to fee the court thou art holding above ! 

" BleiTed Jefus, death is transformed, when I 
view it in this light. The king of terrors is feen no 
more as fuch, fo near the king of glory and of grace. 
I hear with pleafure the found of thy feet, approach- 
ing ftill nearer and nearer : Draw afide the veil, when 
ever thou pleafefl ! Open the bars of my prifon, that 
my eager foul may fpring forth to thee, and " caib 
itfelf at thy feet; at the feet of i hat Jefus, whom, 
having not feen, I love, and in whom, though now I 
- fee thee not, yet believing J rejoice with joy unfpeaka- 
ble and full of glory }" (?) Then, Lord, (halt mew 
me the path of life ; thine hand foal! guide me to 
thv blifsful abode, where '" there is fuhufs cf joy, 
and rivers of everb.fting ' pleafure." ( z ) Thou malt 
aifign me an habitation with thy faithful fervants, 
whofe (eparate fpirits are now living with thee ; while 
their bodies fieep in the dufr. Many of them have 
been my companions in thy laborious work, and " in 

0).Mg. xili* 2d.(*) Rev.xxvii. xx. (y) I Pet, i. 8. (z) Pfal. xvi. XI. 



i?i/2' 5 progrefi of Religion in the Sou!, 327 

the patience and tribulation of thy kingdom ;" ( a ) 
my dear companions, and my brethren. O (hew me, 
blefied Saviour, how glorious and how happy thou 
haft made them ! Shew me, to what new form of 
better life- thou hail conducted them, whom we call 
the dead ! In what nobler and more "extenfive Cervices 
thou haft employed them ! That 1 may praiie thee 
better than I now can, for . thy goodnefs- to them. 
And O give" me to (hare with them kr their bleflings 
and their lervices,and to raiie a long of grateful love, 
like that which they are breathing forth before thee, 
" Yet, O my defied Redeemer, even there will 
" be afpinag to a yet nobler and mere glorious 
rid from this as "yet unknown fplendor and- 
mall 1 be drawing new arguments to look 
I tor the day of thy- final appearance. There 
:> ; " more ardent ly than I now do, to lee thy 
vindicated, and thy triumph diiplayed , to 
iu'l of thy fervants reanimated, and ^ death, , 
the hit cf their enemies and of thine, (wallowed up 
in victory." ( b ) I fhall long for t« \t iupencr honor 
that thou intendeit me, and thai complete blifs to 
which the whole body of thy people fhall be conduct- 
ed. " Come, Lord Jems, come quickly/' will mingle 
itfelf with thenhngs of paradiie, and ibuiid from the 
tongues of ail the millions of thy faints, whom thy 
grace has transplanted thither. 

u In the mean time, O my divine Mafter, accept 
the homage which a grateful heart now pays thee, 
in a feme of the glorious hopes with which thou halt 
infpiredit. It is thou, that hail put this joy into it, 
and haft raifed my foul to this glorious ambition; 
whereas I might otherwlie have now been groveliag 
hatha lower! trifles of time and fenfe, and been look-- 
ing with horror en that hour, which is now the oh- - 
jecl of my ardent wihh.es. 

(a) Rev. J, 9, (b) i Ccr. xv. 26. 34. 



my icul 
hopr ; a 

iuiiu e 5 


and ; 3D2 


conduct 



328 Ri/e, progrefs of Religion in the Strut. 

<c O be with me always even to the end of this 
mortal life ! and give me, while waiting for thy f'dva- 
tion, to be doing thy commandments. May my loin's 
be girded about, and my lamp burning ;" ( c ) andintbe 
ears be ffill watchful for the bleffed Irgtial of thine 
arrival : That my glowing foul may with pbafure 
fpring to meet thee, and be flrengthened by death to 
bear thofe vifions of glory under the extafies of which 
feeble mortality would now expire ! 

C H A P. XXX. 
The Chriftian honoring God by his Dying Behavior, 

Reflections en the fincerity with which the preceding advices hivt 
been given. § I. The author is defirous, that (if Providence perlhjt) he 
may afiLr the GhriftUn to die honorably and comfortably, § a. 3. With 
this view it is advifed, (I ) To rid the. mind of all earthly cares. § 4, 
(a ) To renew the hatsijiation oTthe foul before God, and-its application 
to the blood of Chrilt. § 5. (3.) To exercife patience under bodily pahii 
and forrovvs. § 6. (4 ) At leaving the world, to bear an honorable testi- 
mony to religion. § 7. (5.) To give a folemn charge to furviving friends, 
§ 3, especially recommending faith in Chrifr. § Q. (6.) To keep the pro- 
inifes of God in v'ew. § 10, 1 1. And, (7.) 7 commit the departing fpi- 
: it to God, in the genome exercife* of gratitude and repentance, faith 
and charity 3 § \1. which are exemplified in the concluding meditation 
and prs 



§ T « JL HUS, my dear reader, 1 have endea- 
voured to lead you through a variety of circumikn- 
ces ; snd thofe, not fended and imaginary, but fuch 
as cto indeed occur in the human and Chriftian life. 
And I can truly and cheerfully iay,that I h^ve mark- 
ed out to you the path which 1 have myfelf trod, 
and in which it is my defire ftiil to go on. I have ven- 
tured my own everlafting interefls en that founda- 
tion, on which I have directed you to adventure yours. 
What I have recommended as tY.e grand bufnefs of 
your life, I defire to make the bufinefs of my own, 
and themoft confiderable enjoyments, which I expect 
cr defire in the remaining days of my pilgrimage on 

{c) Luke xii. 3?« 



Rife, progrcfs of Religion in the Soul. 3 29 

earth, are fuch ss I have directed you to feek, and en* 
deavore d to affift you in attaining. Such love to God, 
fuch conftant activity in his fervice, fuch pleafurabie 
views of what lies beyond the grave, appear to me 
(God is my witnefs) a felicity incomparably beyond 
any thing elfe which can offer i.felr to our affection 
an Ipurfuit : And I would not fortenthoufand worlds 
refign my mare in them, or confent even to the fuf- 
peniion of the delights which they afford, during the 
remainder of my abode here. 

§2. I would humbly hope, through the divine 
blelTing, that the hours you have fpent in the review 
of thefe plain things may have turned to fame profit- 
able account ; and that in confequence of whst you 
have read, you have either been brought into the way 
of life and peace, or been induced to quicken your 
pace in ic. jVIoft heartily mould I rejoice in being 
further ufeful to you, and that even to. the laft. Now 
there is one fcene remaining ; a fcene, through which 
you mud infallibly pafs ; which has ibmething in it 
to awful, that I cannot but attempt doing a little 10 
affiR you in it \ I mean the dark valley of the fnadow 
of death. I could earaerlly wifh, that, for the credit 
of your profeffion, the comfort of your own foul, and 
the joy and edification of your furviving friends,, you 
might die, not only fafely, but honorably too ; aad 
therefore I would offer you a few parting advices. I 
am fenilhle, indeed, that Providence may determine 
the circumstances of your death in fuch a manner, a 
that you may have no opportunity of acting upon tl 
hints I now give you. Some unexpected accidf 
from without, or from within, may as it were w 1 
you to heaven before you are aware, and you r 
nod yourlelf fo fuddenly there, that it may fef 
tranilation, rather than a death. Or ic is pc 
the force of a diftemper may affect your uti&ei 
lag in fuch a manner, that you may be quite ml 
-(XXVIII ?} 



, 330 Rite, prcgrefs cf Religion in the Soul 

©f the circumftance in which you are ; and fo your 
diffolutioa (though others may fee it vifrbly and cer- 
tainly approaching) may be as great a furprife to you, 
as if you had died in full health. 

§ 3. But as it is on the whole probable, you may 
have a more fenfible paiTage out of time into eternity ; 
and as much may, in various refpects, depend on ycur 
dying behaviour ; give me leave to propofe fome plain 
directions with relation to it, to be practifed, if God 
give you opportunity, and to remind you of them. It 
may not fee improper to look over the xxixth chapter 
again , when you find the fy raptoms of any threat ni ng dis- 
order : And I the rather hope, that what I fay may 
he ufeful to you, as methinks I rind myfelf difpofed to 
addrefs you with fome thing of that peculiar tender- 
nefs which we feel for a dying friend ; to whom, as 
we expect that we (hall fpeak to him no more, we 
fend out as it were all our hearts in every word. 

§ 4. 1 would advife then, in the fir ft place, " that 
as foon as poilihle, you would endeavor to get rid cf 
all further care with regard to your temporal concerns, 
by fettling them in time in as reafonable and Chrif- 
tian a manner as you can." I could wim, there may 
be nothing of that kind to hurry your mind when 
you are feafi able to bear it, or to diHrefs or divide 
thofe who come after you. Do that, which in the 
prefence of God you judge moft equitable, and which 
you verily believe will be moft pleating to him. Do \ 
it in as prudent and effectual a manner, as you can : 
And then, confider the world as a place you have quite 
done with, and its afTa ; rs as nothing further to ' you, 
more than to one actually dead ; unlefs as you may do 
any good to its inhabitants, while yet you continue 
among them ; and may, by any circumnances m your 
^ laft actions or words in life, leave a blefling behind 
"* you to thofe who have been your friends and fel- 
low travellers, while you have been difpatchiug that-- 
journey through it, which you are now finishing? 



Rife^ progrefs of Religion in the SsuL 3 3 1 

§ 5. That you may be the more at ieikire, zi'A 
the better prepared for this > " enter into fome feriaus 
review of your own ftate, and endeavor to put your 
ibul into as fit a pofture as poffibie, for your folernii 
appearance before God." ^ For a fViemn thing, indeed, 
it is, to go into his immediate prefeoce ; to itand be- 
fore him, not as a fupplicant at the throne of his grace, 
but at his bar as a feparate fpirit wftofe time of pro- 
bation is over, and whole eternal ftate is to be imme- 
diately determined. Renew your humiliation before 
God for the imperfections of your life, though it has 
in the main been devoted to his fervice. Renew your 
application to the mercies of God as promifed in the 
covenant of grace, and to the blood of Chriit as the 
blefled channel in which they -flow. Reiign ycur- 
felf entirely to the divine difpofal and conduct, as wil- 
ling to ferve God, either in this world or the ether, as 
he (hail fee fit; And feniible of your fmfuinefs on 
the one hand, and of the divine wifdom and goodnefs 
on the ether, fummon up all the fortitude of your 
foul to bear as well as you can whatever his afflicting 
hand may further lay upon you, and to receive the 
laft ftroke of it, as one who would maintain the moft 
entire fubjection to the great and good Father of fpirits. 
§ 6. Whatever you fuiier, " endeavor to iliew 
yourielf an example of- patience." Let that amiable 
grace" have its perfect work ;" ( 2 ) and fmce it has fo 
little more to do, let it ciofe the fcene nobly. Let 
there not be a murmuring word ; and that there may 
not, watch againlt every repining thought ; and when 
you feel any thing of that kind ariilng, look by faith 
upon a dying Saviour, and aik your own heart, " Was 
not Lis crofs much more painful, than the bed on 
which I lie ? Was not his fituation among blood thirf- 
ty enemies infinitely more terrible, than mine amid 
the teiidernels and care of fo many aSectionate frieudsi 1 



332 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sold. 

Did not the heavy lead of my fins prefs him in a 
much more overwhelming manner, than I am pref- 
fed with the load of thefeaffiicUons ? And yet he bore 
all " as a lamb that is brought to the daughter." ( b ) 
Let the remembrance of his fufferings be a means to 
fweeten yours ; yea, let it caufe you to rejoice, when 
you are called to bear the crofs for a little while, be- 
fore you wear the crown. Count it all joy, that you 
have an opportunity yet once more of honoring God 
by ycur^ patience, which is now adling its laft part, 
and will in a few days, perhaps in a few hours, be 
fuperfeded by complete everlafting bleiTednefs. And 
I am willing to hope, that in thefe views you will not 
only fupprefs all pafiionate complaints, but that your 
mouth Will re fill :d with the praifes of God ; and that 
you will be ipeaking to thofe who are about you, 
not only of his juftice but of his goodaefs too. So 
that you will be enabled to communicate your .in- 
ward joys in inch a manner, as may be a lively and 
edifying comment upon thofe words of the apoftle, 
" tribulation worketh patience; and patience, ex- 
perience ; and experience, hope ; e\en a hope which 
maketh not afnarned, while the love of God is Ihed 
abroad in our hear ts,by the Holv Ghoft which is given 
UStQ us." ( c ) 

§ 7. Aad now, my dear friend, " now is the time, 
when it is efpecially expected from you, that you 
bear an honorable teftimony to religion." Tell thofe 
who are about you, as well as you can, (for you never 
will foe able fully to exprefs it) what comfort and fup- 
port you have found it it. Tell them, how it _ has 
brightened the darken: circumftances of your life ; 
tell them how it now reconciles you to the near 
views of death. Your words will carry with them 
a peculiar weight at men a feaibn : There will be a 
kind of eloquence, even in the infirmities with which 
you are flruggling, while you give them utterance 

(b) Jfai. 1U;, 7. (c) Rom, v. 3; 4; j* 



Rife^progrefs of Religion in the Sml. 333 - 

and you will be heard with attention, with tender- 
nefs, with credit. And therefore, wheo the time of 
your departure is at hand, with unailecled freedom 
breathe out your joy, if you then feel (as I hope you - 
will) an hclyjoy ana 1 delight in God. Breathe out y 
however, your inward peace and feremty of mind, if 
you be thin peaceful and ferene : Others will mark 
it, ao:i b^ encouraged to tread the fteps which lead 
to to Happy an end. Tell them, what you feel of 
the vanity ofthe world ; ami they may learn to regard 
k his : Tell them, what you fed of* the [ubfraatial 
fupports ofthe gofpei ; and they may leara to value 
it more : For they cannot but know, that they muft 
lie down on a dying bed too, and muff then need all 
the relief whi::h the goibel itfslf can give them. 

§ 8. And to iolorce the conviciion the more, 
" give a fdemn charge to thoie who are about you, 
that they fpend their lives in the fervice of God, and 
govern themlelves by the principles of real religion;" 
You may remember, that Joanna and B.ivid, and 
other good men did f j : when thev 
days drew n ear in which they mould 
net, how the admonitions of a dyi 
may be with refpecf. to fame) of a \ 
imprefs thoie who may have difr« 
. and others may have laid to them 
make the trial, and die, laboring to giorifv God, to 
five fouls, and generoufly to fow the feeds of good- 
neis.and happineis in a world, where you have no 
more harvefts to reap. Perhaps they may fpriog up 
in a plentiful crop, when the clods of the valley are 
covering your body : But, if not, God will approve 
it ; and the angels, who wait around your bed to re- 
ceive your departing foul, will lock upon each ether 
with marks of approbation in their countenance, and 
own, that this is to expire like a Chriitian 3 and to 
make a glorious improvement of mortality. 



7 nerceiv 


?d that t 


.€ 


die. Anc 


Ivoukno 


w 


ma frien 


-\ cr (as 


it 


dying pa 


rent, may 


egarded 


what yc 


Hi 


before. 


At l;a: 


•t» 



334 Rife^progrefsofReVgiofiinths Sail 

§ 9. And in this laft addrefs to your fellow-mor- 
tals, whoever they are that Providence brings near 
yen, 4i be fure that you tell them, how entirely and 
hew cheerfully your hopes anddependance in this fea- 
fon of the laft extremity are fixed, not upon your 
own merits and obedience,but on what the great Re- 
deemer has done, and has fufTered for finners." Let 
them fee that you die, as it were, at the foot of the 
crefs ; nothing will be fo comfortable to yeuriehres, 
nothing 10 edifying to them. Let the name of jefus 
therefore be in your mou.h, while you are able to 
fpeak ; and, when you can fpeak no longer, let it be 
in your heart, and endeavor that the laft act of your 
foul, While it continues in the body, 11. ay be an act. of 
humble faith in Chrifh Come unto God by him, 
enter into that which is within the veil, as with the 
blbqdof fprmkling frefn upon you. Jt is an awful thing 
for fuch a {inner, (as you, my Chf fiian friend, with 
all the virtues the world may have admired, know 
purfifto be) to ftand before that infinitely pure and 
Holy Beisg.who has feen all your ways, and all your 
neart, and has a perfect knowledge of every mixture 
cHrnperfecHcn which has attended the bell of ycur 
duties ; but venture in that way, and you will find it 
both fife and pleafant. 

§ ro. Once more, C£ To give you comfort in a 
dying hour, a?.d to fupp:-rt your feeble Iteps while 
ycu are travelling through this dark and painful way, 
take the word of God as a fiafTio your hand." Let 
books and mortal friends, now do their laft office for j 
you. Call, if you can, fome experienced Chriflian,. 
who has felt the power of the word of God upon his 
own heart; ani let him bring the fcripture. and turn 
you to fome of thole precious promifes, which have 
been the food and rejoicing of his own foul. It is 
with this view, that I may carry 1 he good office 1 am 
now engaged in as far as pofhble, I fhall here give 



I 



Rifi, progrefs cf Religion in the SoiiL 3 35 

yon a collection of a few fuch admirable fcriptures, 
each of t em " infinitely more valuable than thous- 
ands of gold and iilver." ( d ) And to convince you of 
the degree in which 1 efteem then?, I will take the 
freedom to add, that I defire, they may (if God give 
an opportunity)' be read over to me, as 1 lie on my 
dying bed; with fhort intervals between them ; that 
I may paufe upon each, and renew fome thing cf that 
delightful relith, which, I blefs God, I have often 
found in them. May your foul and mine be then 
compofed to a facred iilence, (whatever be the com- 
motion of animal nature) while the voics cf God 
(beaks to us, in language W ich he fpake to his fer- 
vants of old, or io. which he initrucled them how they 
fhould fpeak to him, in circumfcances of the greateft 
extremity ! * ?C 

$ if. Can anymore encouragement be wanting, 
when he fays, " fear not, for 1 am with thee ; be not 
diimayed, for I am thy God ; I will itrengthen thee, 
yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the 
right hand of myrighteouuefs.' , ( e ) and "he is not a 
man, that he fhould lie ; or the fon of man, that he 
fhould repent ; hath he faid, and fhall he not do it ? 
Or hath he fpoken, and fhall he not make ii good V* 
( f ) " The Lord is my lighr, and my falvation, whom- 
-fhall I fear ? The Lord is the hxength of my life, of 
whom fhall I be afraid ?" ( s ) " This God is our God 
forever and ever : He will be our guide even unto 
death." ( h ) Therefore, " though I walk through the 
valley of thefhadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for 
thou art with me, thy rod and thy toff, they com- 
fort me." 0) s£ I have waited for thy Mvation, O 
Lord." ( k ) " O continue thy loving kindnefs unto 
them that, know thee, and thy righteoufnefs io the 
upright in heart ! For with thee is the fountain of life; 
in thy light fhall we fee light." (*) " Thou wilt mew 

(d) Pfa!. cxix. ~1. (e) Ifai. x'-H. io, (f) Num. xxiii. 19. 
, (g) Pfil. xxvii. 1, (h) Pfa!. i'Mii. 14; (•) Pfa], xxiii, 4. 
(k) Gen, xiix. 18. . (I; pfth xxxvi. 9, 10, 



336 Rlfe^prcgrefsofE.eltgioniniheSoitL 

me the pith of life ; in thy prefence is '"• '■ lefs of ; 
at tny right ksnd there are pie', r " 

( m ) c '' As for me, I (Ml behold 
nek : I fI12.ll be fatisfied, when I awake, with thy iike- 
nefs." ( n ) " Fcr I know in whom i have believed, 
and am p-rfuaded that he is able t keep what 1 have 
committed to him until that day.*' ( c ) " Therefore 
mv heart is glad, and my glory rejeiceth ; my ftefh 
alfo fhall reft in hope." ( p ) " For, if we believe, that 
Jefus died, and rofe again, thcfc alfo that fleep in jefus 
will God bring with him." ( q ) — " I give uato my 
Iheep eternal life, (faid Jefus, the good fhephero) and 
they fhall never per.ih, neither fhall any pluck them 
out of my hand." ( r ) " This is the will of him that 
fentme, that every one, that believeth on me, fhall 
have everlafting life ; and I will raife him up at the 
laft day." ( f ) " Let not your heart be troubled ; ye 
believe in God, believe alfo in me. In my Father's 
houfeare many haaL-fions ; if it were not fo, I would 
nave told you : I go to prepare a place for you : And 
if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, 
and receive you to myfelf, that where I am, there ye 
may be alio." ( L ) " Go, tell my brethren, I afcend ua- 
to my Father and your Father? and to my God and 
your God." ( u ) " Father, I will that thofe whom 
thou haft given me, fee with me where I am, that 
they may behold my glory which thou haft given me ; 
that the leve wherewith thou haft loved me, may be 
in them, and I in them." (x) — " Ke that teftifieth 
thefe things 5 faith furely I come quickly. Amen — Even 
fo, come, Lord Jefus !" (y) " O death vahere is thy 
Ring ? O grave, where is thy victory ? Thanks be to 
God, who give th us the victory through our Lord 
Jefus Chrift." (*) 

(m) Pfal. xvi. II. (n) Pfsl. xvii. I?. (V) 2 Tim. I. 12. 
(p) jgfali tvi. 9. (q) I Theff iv. 14. ty John x. 28. 
(s) John vl. 40. (t) John xiv. I, 2, 3. (u) John xx. fj, 

(x) John xvii. 24, 26. (y) Rev, xxih 20, (a) I Cor. xv. 55, SI* 



Rj/e 9 progrtfi qf Religm in the S&if, 337 

§ 12. Thus may that God, who " knows the 
fouls of his children, in all their adverfities," ( a ) and 
" in whofe fight the death of his faints is precious," 
( b ) cheer and fupport you and me in thofe laft extre* . 
xnities of nature ! May he add us to the happy num-v 
ber of thofe who have been more than conquerors hi, 
death ■! And may he give ust hofe fupplies of his Spi- 
rit which may enable us to pour out our departing 
fouls in fuch fentiments as thofe I would now fug* 
geft ; though we fhould be no longer able to utter 
words, or to underfiand them if they were to be read 
to us ! Let us at leaft review them with all proper af- 
fections now, and lay up cue prayer more for that 
awful moment ! O that this, a^d ail we have ever of- 
fered with regard to it, may then " come in remem- 
brance before God F ( c ) 

A Meditation and Prayer, Suited to the cafe of & 

dying CHRISTIAN* 

"O THOU fupreme Ruler of the vifible and 
invifible worlds ! Thou Sovereign of life, and death, 
of earth, and heaven 1 Bleifed be thy name, I have 
often been taught to feek thee. And now once more 
do I pour out my foul, my departing foul, unto thee. 
Bow down thy gracious ear, O God, and let my crj 
come before thee with acceptance. 

" The hour is CGme when then wilt feparate 
i&e from this world, with which I have been fo famU 
liarly acquainted, and lead me to another, as yet un- 
known. Enable me, I befeech thee, to make the ex- 
change, as becomes " a child of Abraham, who, be- 
ing called of thee to receive an inheritance, obeyed 
and went out, though he kiiew not particularly whi- 
ther he went ;" ( d ) as becomes a " child of God, who 
knows, that through fovereign grace, it is his Fathers- 
good pleafure to give him the kingdom. 5 ' ( e ) 

<a) Pfal. xxxi. 7. (b) Ptal. ckv'u 3£. C<0 A&S r. 4, $1.- 
(d) Heb. xi. 8. (e) Luke xii. 3*. 

(XXIX) 



33$ ~ Rife, pregrefs of Religion in the Soul. 

ce I acknowledge, O Lord, the juftice of that 
fentence by which 1 am expiring ; and own thy 
wifdoni andgoodnefs in appointing my journey through 
this gloomy vale which is now before me. Help me 
to turn it into the happy occafion of honoring thee, 
and adoring my profefhon ; and I will blefs the pangs 
by which thou art glorified, and this mortal and fm- 
ful part of my nature is diflolved. 

" Gracious Father, I would not quit this earth 
of thine, and this houfe of clay in which I have fo- 
journied during my abode upon the face of it, with- 
out " my grateful acknowledgments to thee, for all 
that abundant goodnefs which thou hafc caufed to pafs 
before me here." ( f ) With " my dying breath, I bear 
witaefs to thy faithful care, I have wanted no good 
thing. ( ? ) I thank thee, O my God, that this guilty, 
forfeited, unprofitable life was fo long fpared — That 
it hath been dill maintained by fuch a rich variety of 
thy bounty. I thank thee, that the u haft made this 
beginning of my exiftence fo pleafant to me. I thank 
thee, for the mercies of my days and nights, of my 
months and years, which are now come to their peri- 
od — I thank thee, for the mercies of my infancy, and 
for thofeof my riper age ;for all the agreeable friends 
which thou haft given me in this houfe of- my pilgri- 
mage, the living and the dead ; for all the help I have 
received from others, and for all the opportunities 
which thou haft given me of being helpful to the bo 
dies or fouls of ray brethren of mankind. Cf Surely 
goodnefs and mercy have followed me all the days of 
my life," ( h ) and I have reafon to rife a thankful guefl 
from the various and pleafant entertainments with 
which my table has been furnifhed by thee. Ner 
fhall I have reafon to repine, or to grieve at quitting 
them : For, G my God, are thy bounties exhaufted ? 
I know, that they are not. I will not wrong thy good- 

(0 Exodi xxxiii. 19, (g) Pfal. xxxiv, io. (h> Phi. xxiil. 6„. 



Ri[e\ prsgrefs of Religion in the ZouL 339 

rrefs and thy faithfulnefs fo much, as ro imagine, that 
becaufe I am going from earth, I am going from hap- 
pinefs. I adore thy mercy, that thou hafc taught me 
to entertain nobler views through jefus thy Sod. I 
blefs thee with all the powers of my nature, that i 
ever heard of his name, and heard of his death : And 
would fain exert a more vigorous act of thankful ado- 
ration, than in tnis broken ftatel am capable of, while 
I am extolling thee, for the riches of thy grace mani- 
fefted in him ; for his inftructions and his example, 
for his blood, and his rightecufnefs, and for that blef- 
fed Spirit of thine which thou haft given me, to turn 
my fmful heart unto thyfelf, and to bring me " into 
the bonds of thy covenant ; of that covenant, which 
is ordered in all things and fure,'' ( l ) and which this 
death, though now feparating my foul from my body ? 
mail never be able to diffolve- 

" I blefs thee, C) Lord, that I am not dying in 
nn unregenerate and impenitent Rate ; but that thou 
ladft gracionily awaken and convince me ; that thou 
didft renew and fanctify my heart, and didft by thy 
good Spirit work in it an unfeigned faith, a real repen- 
tance, and the beginning of .a diyioe lite. I thank 
thee, for milliners and ordinances : I thank thee, for 
ray fabbaths, and my facrament days ; for the week- 
ly and monthly refreshments which they gave me : 
1 thank thee, for " the fruits of Canaan, which we^ 
lent me in the .wildernefs, and are now fent me on 
the brink of Jordan. I thank thee, for : thy biefied 
word } and for thofe exceeding rich and precious pi\> 
mifes of it, which now lie as a cordial warm at m3^ 
heart in this chilling hour ; promiies of fupport in 
death, and of glory beyond it, and of the reiurrection 
of my body to everlafting life. O my God, I firmly 
believe them all, great and wonderful as they are, and 
am waiting for the accomplishment of them, through 
::■-, Ghriit ; in whom they are all yea, and amen*' 3 



,343 i^, pfvgrtfs of Religion in the ZouL 

t k ) " Remember thy word unto thy fervant, on which 
thou haft caufed me to hope ;" ( l ) I covenanted with 
thee, not for worldly enjoyments, which thy love 
taught me comparatively to defpife ; bur for u eter- 
nal life, as the gift of free grace through Jefus Chrift 
my Lord :" ( ) And now permit me " in his name 
to enter my humble claim to it. Permit me to con- 
fign this departing fpirit info thine hand ; for thou 
haft redeemed it, O Lord God of truth." ( n ) " I am 
thine, fave me," (°) and make me happy. 

a But may I, indeed, prefume to lay, I am thine ? 
G God, now I am Handing on the borders cf both 
worlds, now I view things as in the light of thy pre- 
sence and of eternity, how unworthy do I appear, that 
I fhould betaken to dwell with thy angels and taints 
In glory 1 Alas, I have reafbn to look back with deep 
hmniiiaticn, en a poor unprofitable, fmful life,in which 
I have daily been deferving to be caft into hell. Bat 
I have this one comfortable reflection, that I have fled 
to the crofs of Chrifl ; and I now renew my applica- 
tion to it. To think of appearing before God in luch 
an imperfect righteoufnefs as my own, were ten thcuf- 
s®d times wcrfe than death. No, Lord ! i come unto 
thee as a tinner ; but as a /inner, who hath believed 
an thy Son for pardon and life : I fall down before 
thee as a guilty, polluted wretch ; but thou haft made 
him to be unto thy people for " wiillom and righteouf- 
nefs. for fanctification and redemption/' ( p ) Let me 
have my lot among the followers of jefus — Treat me, 
as thou treated thofe Who are his friends and his 
brethren ; for thou knowePu my foul has loved him, 
and trulted him, and folemnly ventured itfeif on the 
fecurity of his gofpel. And " I know in whom I 
have believed." ( q ) The infernal lion may attempt to 
difmay me in this awful paiTage \ but I rejoice, that I 

(ic> % Cor. i. CO. (1) Pfal. cxix. 49* (**0 Rom. vi. 23, 
in) PfJ, CiXJU. 4. (0) Pfal. exit 94- (p) I Cor, i. 30. 

to) 2, Tim. i. 13. 



Rife> frcgrefs of Religion in the Sxif. 341 

am" in the hands of the good fhepherd ;" ( r ) and I 
defy all my fpintual enemies, in a cheerful depen- 
dence on his faithful care. I lift up my eyes and my 
heart to him, who li was dead and is alive again ; 
and behold, he lives for evermore, and hath the keys 
of death and of the unfeen world.'" ( r ) Blerled Jeftts, 
I die by thine hand, and I fear no harm from the 
hand of a Saviour ! I fear not that death,which is al- 
lotted tome by the hand of my deareft Lord, who 
himfelf died to make it fafe and happy. I come. 
Lord, I come, not only with a willing, but: with a 
joyful confent. I thank thee, that thou" remem- 
berer! me for good ; that thou art breaking mychair.s 5 
and calling me to the glorious liberty of the children 
of God/' (0 I thank thee, that thou wilt no longer 
permit me to live at a diftance from thine arms ; but, 
after this long abfence, wilt have me at home, at home 
forever. 

" My feeble nature faints in the view of that 
glory which is now dawning upon me ; but thou 
knoweft how, gracious Lord, to let it in upen my 
foul byjuft degrees, and to " make thy ftrength per- 
feci in my weaknefs." (a) Once more for the lalfc 
time, would I look down on this poor world which I 
am going to quit, and breathe out my dying vows for 
its prefperity, and that of thy church in it. I have 
loved it, O Lord, as a living member of the body j 
and I love it to the laii. I humbly befeech thee, there- 
fore, that thou wilt guar J it, and purify it, and unite 
it more and more. Send down mere of thy bleffed 
Spirit upon it, even the Spirit of wifdem, of holinefs, 
and of love ; till, in due time, " the wildernefs be 
turned into a garden of the Lord/ () and €S all flefh 
■fliall fee thy falvation." (*} 

(i And as for me, bear me, O heavenly Father, 
on the wings of everlafticg love to that peaceful, that 

(r; John x, II, 0-8. (s) Rev. i. 18. ft) Rom. viii . 21," 
! .u) % Cor, xiii 9% (w) Ifai. II. 3. fx) Luke iii, 6, 

(XXIX 2) 



341 Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Sbuk 

holy, that joyous abode, which thy mercy has pre- 
pared for me, and Which the blood of my Redeemer 
has purchased I Bear me " to the general liiTemblyand 
church of the firft born, to the innumerable company 
of angels, and to thefpirits of juft men made peatfeS!*' 
(y) And whatever this liefh may fufter, let my fteadv 
foul be delightfully fixed on that glory to which it is 
rifing ! Let faith perform its laft office in an honorable 
manner— Let my few remaining moments on earth be 
(pent for thy glory ; and fo let me afcend, with love 
in my heart, and praife on my faultering tongue, to 
the world where love andpraife fhattbe complete ! Be 
this my laft fong on earth, which I am going to tune 
in heaven — " blefling, and honor, and glory, and 
power be unto him that fitteth on the throne, and to 
the Lamb forever and ever !" (0 Amen. 



dmawmssaEme*-; Tzosz-rz^zr. _*-r~v — irrr ;-— ^^5: ^T»«»i»-si 



EXTRACT. 

Parlour Religion exemplified in the practise of Homrio, his 
Family and Friends. 

THOSE to whom the Lord has given a plenty 
of the good things of this world, have it in their pow- 
er to anticipate fbmething of the employments and 
enjoyments of heaven, fo far as the imperfection of 
the prefent ftate will permit ; for they have all things 
richly to enjoy, they may choofe their company, their 
time,' and entertainments, and in all things follow the 
pious difpofitioris of their hearts. It is an happinels 
for a religious man to vifit, or to be in a houfe, that 
has a good man at its head— Such a hcufe as that of 
Hcnorlo. 

In the morning the parlour is decently prepared, 
and warmed for the reception of the pious heads _ of 
the family, who come from their chamber nulling 
with gratitude to Gsd, and good-humoured with their 

, (y) Heb* xii, 7A t 23, (z) Rev, v. 13. 



Rife, progrefs of Religion in the Soul. 343 

diligent fervants. The little family during tlseir in- 
fancy are in the nurfery, and every thing that might 
interrupt, is prohibited from entering the parlour, 
which is at this hour a chapel for devotion. The 
clock having flruck the well known-hour, Hcnorio 
and his beloved wife are ieated,with the book of God 
before them : the fervants enter with looks expreffive 
of the happinefs they feel in having the privilege of 
being God's freemen, and joining their mai'ler and 
miftrefs in his fervice. Under the direction of Honorio, 
a fong of praife to God for his mercies is offered up 
by this primitive church, and a portion of fcripture is 
read, that their minds may become more familiarly 
acquainted with the facred oracles. This being done, 
they all bow their knees to Him 03^ whom the whole - 
family in heaven and earth is named, and the good 
Hcnorio calls upon his Lord and Mafter in heaven, 
with exprefiions of profound homage and humility £ 
blelliag huh for the favors of the pan night, and the 
pleafure of feeing the light of the returning day. Like 
the great Righ-Prieft he bears on His heart all his 
family before God, and intreats for particular mer- 
cies according to the known (late of his houfehold, 
and puts himfelf and all his affairs, both temporal and 
fpiritual, into the hands of his heavenly Father. He 
then gives them his benediction, and they all arife. 
The happy fervants cheered and warmed with the 
aids of devotion., return to their duty, each according 
to his place, and the heads of the family, with their 
guffis (if fiich are prefent) fit down to breakfaft gu 
the ever-flawing bounty of God's providence. Buii- ' 
nets, or works of piety, perhaps call the mafter away, 
and ;he miftrefs, having given directions in her family, 
takes 6er ufual feat and employment in her parlour. 
The Bible is laid near her, to be referred to as her 
belt friend and director, her richer! cordial in trouble, 
kind xaoft faithful monitor in doubtful cafes. Nor is 



344 Rifei progrefs of Rel'ighti in- the Sold* 

fhe fearful that any victor fhould find her with this 
companion, for Hie defires no company but thofe who 
love the fcriptures. She is rather of the fentiments 
of a well-known female, who brought her family Bi- 
ble into her parlour, and laying it on the table,faid, 
" Lie there, thou belt of books, and keep thou thy 
place whoever coraes im" A pious vifitor or two, or 
aminifrer of Chrift perhaps , drops in, in the forenoon. 
If fo, the time is not wailed in unprofitable talk, but 
the parlour is honoured by being changed into the 
jimilrude of the holy mount. The heavenly woman 
and her guelts enter into difcourfe, as Mofes and 
Elias did, on what once pctiTed at Jerufalem, when 
jefus gave his life a ranfom for many ; and their ex- 
perience fo confirms their intereft in that work of love, 
that their hearts burn within them, and like St. Peter, 
they find it good to be there. 

' The hour to dine being come, Honorio returns, 
and probably brings a religious friend or two to his 
hofpitable mr.nfion. The table being fpread with 
plenty, without oilentation, the provifion is fanclified 
by the praver of Honorio, penetrated with a fenfe of 
having forfeited every thing by fin, but having re- 
covered all by the merit of his great Saviour, a re- 
membrance of whofe love makes every thing more 
rweet and refreshing. Having ufed, but not abufed, 
the bounties of Providence, grateful acknowledgments 
are returned: to the great Giver of every good gift ; 
and the pious few mingle profitable difcourfe with 
their wine, or concert fome plan for fupplying the 
wants of thofe who are in diflreflmg circumfknces. 
Towards evening, a 'elect company grace the tea- 
table ; and the interefts of the Gofpel, with the bsft 
means of fpreading its influence around them, become 
the (ubjeets of their converfation. Should national 
affairs happen to be introduced, they exprefs their 
attachment towards good government ; and their 
thankfulnefs to God for the many invaluable privi- 



Rife* progrefs of Religion in the Sow!. 345 

leges enjoyed by their country. The hour of parting 
being come, the praifes. of God introduce the devo- 
tion of the evening, in which, as in the morning, the 
fcriptures are read, and all the family called to unite. 
Care is taken not to protract [his fervlce to an immo- 
derate length, left the children, on account of their 
tender years, and the fervants, weaned with the hlpor 
of the day,mightbe inclined to neap when their mir.ds 
ptlght to be attentive. Nor isithurried operas though 
it were cf no importance ;~but fuificient time is taken 
reverently and decently to thank God for his geoi- 
nefs, earneftly to intrea: him to pardon their fins, and 
to commit themfelves into his care and protection, 

O ye worldlings ! what cm ye produce in the 
fcenes of your lives that is worthy to be compared 
with this ? " The curfe of God, >J fays the fcripture, 
" isin thedwellings of the wicked."* Your parlours have 
no bleffings in them. Your children and fervants 
never heard the name of God mentioned ia them, trn- 
lefs it be to blafpheme it. Your tables are unbleiied. 
At your banquets, intemperance reigns, and mc deity 
is put to the blum. The parlours I have been def- 
cribing are types of heaven, where due returns are 
mjkde to God for his bounty. Ye are deluded by 
what ycu call rational amufements. Like children 
you divert ycurfelves in f solifh play, n ! ght afrer night, 
wafting your time and Jubilance. '* £ And the God in 
whofe hand your breath is, and whofe are ail your 
ways, you have not glorified." Any thing that is 
ferious and ufeful to your fouls, you will not once 
hear, much lefs will you hear it repeated. "And 
what will ye do in the end thereof r" (5 that ye were 
wife, that ye would confider your ways, and at iaCb 
make feme returns cf gratitude to a gracious God 
for all his benefits beftowed on you. ' PR03US. 



HYMNS 

Seleblei from, and written by Dr. Do DD RIDGE. 

Hymn I. An immediate . tit tent ion to God's voke re* 
autred, Heb. ili. 15. 

1 npHE Lord Jehovah calls, 

JL Be ev 5 ry ear inclin'd ; 
May inch a voice awake each heart, 
' And captivate the mind. 

2 If he in thunder f peaks, 
Earth trembles at his nod ; 

But gentle accents here proclaim 

The condefcending God. 
3 O harden not your hearts, 

But hear his vcre to-day : 
Left, ere to-morrov/'s eariieft dawn> 

He call your fouls away. 
4 Almighty God, pronounce 

The word of conqu'riDg grace ; 
So lh all the flint dificlve to tears, 

And fcorners feek thy face. 



HYMN IE The eternal Sabbath* Heb. iv. 9. 

1 T ORD of the Sabbath, hear our vows r 
1 j On this thy day, in this thy houfe : 

, Ana own, as grateful facrifice, 

The fongs,whicli from. the defart rife. 

2 Thine earthly fabbaths, Lord, we love ; 
But there's a nobler reft above ; 

To that our laboring fouls aipire 
With ardenf pangs of iirong defire. 

3 No more fatigue, no more diftrefs ; 
Nor fin nor hell (hall reach the place ; 
No groans to mingle with the fongs, 
Which warble from immortal tongues-. 

4 No rude alarms of raging fees ; 
No cares to break i\\e long repofe ; 
No midnight foaie, no clouded im. 
But facred, high, eternal noon. 



5 



H T M N £. j47 

5 O long-expected day begin ; 
Dawn on thefe realms of woe and v>n : 
Fain would we leave this weary road, 
And deep in death to reft with God. 

Hymn III. Chrlft our Forerunner ', and the Foundation ■ 
sfour hope. Heb. vi. if), 2% 
i TESUS the Lord our fouls adore, 
J A painful fuiPrer now no more ; 
High on his Father's throne he reigns 
O'er earth, andheav n's exteniive plains. 
-2 His rac3 for ever is complete ; 
For ev^r undifturb'd his feat ; 
. Myriads of angels round him fly, 
Aiid fing his well-gain'd vi&ory. 
^3 Yet, 'mid the honours of his throne, 
He joys not for himfelf alone ; 
His meaner!" fervants fhare their part, 
Share in that royal tender heart. 

4 Rife, rife my foul, thy raptur'd fight. 
With facred wonder and delight ; 
Jefus thy own Forerunner fee 
Enter'd beyond the veil for thee. 

5 Loud let the howling tempefl yell, 
And foaming waves to mountains fwell, 
No fhipwreck can my veiTel fear, 
Since hope hath fix'd its anchor here. 

HYMN IV. The evil Confcience purified by the Blood of 



Jefus. Heb. ix. iq, 14. 

< ST 1 



> LEST be the Lamb, whofe blood was fpilt 

I To fprinkle confcience from its guilt ; 

To eafe its pains, to calm its fears, 
Jind pnrchafe grace for future years. 
2 Cleans'd by this all-atcning blood, 
We joy in free accefs to God, 
The living God, before whofe face 
Sinners, in vain mall feek a place. 



348 H T M N S, 

. .3 Ronfe thee, my foul, to ferve him fall 
With cordial love, with active zeal : 
Serve him, like his own Son divine, 
Who made his life the price of thine. 
• 4 Bleft Tefus, introduc'd by thee^ 
The Father's f bailing face I fee ; 
And, fcrengthen'd by thy grace alone, 
Thefe grateful fervices are done. 
5 Then muft my debt from day to day 
Grow with each fervice that I pray ; 
So grows my joy, dear Lord, to be 
Thus more and iw re in debt to thee. 

Hymn V. The Chrlftian Warrior animated and crowned, 
R.ev. ii. io. 
[ARK ! Ms our heav'nly Leader's voice 
From his triumphal feat : 
'Mid all the war's tumultuous noife, 
How pow'rful and how fweet ! 
1 " Fight on, my faithful band, (he cries) 
" Nor fear the mortal blow ■! 
<c Who firfc in fuch a warfare dies*\ 
" Shall fpeedieft vicYry know 

3 c: I have my days of combat known, 
" And in the dun: was hid ; 

Ci But thence I mounted to my throne, 
" And glory crowns my head. 

4 ci That throne, that glory you mall (hare ; 
" My hands the crown mall give ; 

Ci And you the fparklmg honours wear, . 
" While God himfelf (hall live." 

5 Lord, 'tis enough ; our bofonas glow 
Vv T ith courage, and with love : 

Thy hand (hall bear thy foldiers through, 
And raife their heads above. 

6 My foul, while death befet me round, 
Erecls her ardent eyes, 

And longs, thro' feme illufcrious wound, 
To rum and feize the prize. 
FINIS. 









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